Lotte's Koshiro Hiroike will start in the game against Softbank Hawks on the 18th.

Through the team, Hiroike commented, "I couldn't use the pace in the last pitch, so I made sure to build up the game well. On the other hand, I was able to pitch to the right batter's inside course, which was good, so I want to keep pitching tomorrow. My physical condition is good, so I'll do my best without losing to the heat."

Hiroike has pitched 70 1/3 innings in 13 games this season, with a record of 2 wins and 4 losses and ERA of 3.58. In his last start on the 10th Orix Buffaloes, he pitched 3 1/3 innings and gave up 4 runs.