Lotte's Koshiro Hiroike will start in the game against Softbank Hawks on the 3rd.

Hiroike commented through the team, "I will pitch with no regrets, making sure to get off to a strong start!"

Hiroike has pitched 60 innings in 11 games so far, with a record of 2 wins and 3 losses and ERA of 3.30. In his last start against Nippon-Ham, he pitched 6 innings, throwing 84 pitches, hit 8 hits and 3 runs, and was pitcher with lose.