◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Lotte (April 4th, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)

Softbank Hawks 's eighth-round developmental draft pick, pitcher Hokuto (from Chuo University's semi-hardball team), was pulled from the game after giving up eight runs in two innings.

The right-hander, registered under the roster on the 1st, was carried to the right field stands by leadoff pitcher Fujiwara in the first inning. As a rookie starter, it was the first time he gave up Home Run on his first pitch in his first hitter of his first appearance. He couldn't help but smile at the mound, but the rest of the inning ended the first inning with closer runs.

However, in the second inning, with two outs and runners on first and second, he had fielder’s choice and put bases loaded in trouble, then gave up two consecutive Walk to add two more runs. With two outs and bases loaded, he gave up three consecutive hits and gave up five runs. He gave up seven runs in that inning alone, bringing his total to eight runs. "I wasn't as nervous as I thought. I went up to mound with the mindset of showing my strengths. There were moments where I was able to show my strengths, but after bases loaded, I lost sight of my surroundings. I wish I could have pitched more calmly," he reflected.