◆ Pacific League: Lotte 0-3 Softbank Hawks (19th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo commented on Stanford University's Rintaro Sasaki, who was selected as the first overall pick in last fall's draft but has now decided to join the Marlins. "I received a call from the front office last night. I wanted to play with him, but there's nothing I can do about it. I told him in a video message that I will respect whatever choice he makes. I hope to see him take on a new challenge and succeed in the big leagues," Kokubo said, offering his support.