Nippon-Ham 's two-way pitcher, Leo Shibata (20), the team's first-round draft pick in 2024, will start in the game against Softbank Hawks on the 21st (at Escon). Regarding mound second start of the season, he said, "My main goal is to pitch a solid game and throw a long inning. I'm really looking forward to it." On this day, he entered the bullpen at Escon for a final check. Similar to his adjustments with the minor league team, he focused solely on pitcher practice without batting practice. He will also pitcher on the 21st.

In his last game against Softbank Hawks last season, he made one relief appearance, pitching 2 2/3 innings, giving up 4 hit 1 runs. He was hit hard by players like Kondo, and it was the only time in his four appearances last season that he didn't manage to strike out struck out. "Usually, pitcher has the advantage, right? 70% of the time. But it feels the opposite. Experience and things like that are big factors, but there are a lot of players with really high technical skills and abilities." He aims to show how much he has grown against the reigning champions, who have made him keenly aware of the harsh realities of professional baseball, and to achieve his first professional win.