An exhibition game between Hokkaido Nippon-Ham and Saitama Seibu will be held at ES CON FIELD from 6:00 p.m. on March 5th.

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham pitcher will be playing their first game of the season at home, with opening pitcher Shoma Kanemura set to start. Last season, he recorded his highest number of wins, seven, and contributed to the team's win as one of the starting pitchers. With about three weeks until the opening, what kind of pitch will he show? Expectations are high.

Meanwhile, Saitama Seibu has won five consecutive games against other teams. In the strong batting lineup, new player Taiga Hirasawa continues to make an impact. He hit three hit in the game against Chiba Lotte on February 27th, and hit a timely doble in the game against Softbank on the 1st. Since last season was a disappointing year with no first-team appearances, attention will be focused on his performance in his new home.

Text by Hayato Sugimori