Lotte's Koshiro Hiroike will start in the game against Orix Buffaloes on the 17th.

Hiroike commented through the team, "First and foremost, I want to focus on getting the game under control. This will be my first time starting against The Buffaloes, but I'm hoping to just pitch at my own pace without being overly conscious of it. I'll do my best."

Hiroike has pitched 28 innings in 6 games so far, with a record of 0 wins and 1 loss and ERA of 3.54. In his last start on the 8th against Softbank Hawks, he gave up 3 runs in 6 innings.