On 22 March, the opening match between Fukuoka Softbank and Hiroshima in MIZUHO PayPay Dome ended in a 2-1 loss to Fukuoka Softbank.

​Fukuoka Softbank starter Tomohisa Ozeki pitcher allowed runner in the first and second innings, but closer the top of the third inning on just 10 pitches. But in the top of the fourth, Fabian hit a two-run single with two outs and the bases loaded, and he retired mound after 3 hit 1 Walk 2 strike out 2 runs on 67 pitches in the fourth inning. In the bottom of the fourth, with two outs, Taisei Makihara hit a solo shot to bring home one run.

Starting in the fifth, Koya Fujii pitcher, Hikaru Kimura pitcher, Hernandez pitcher and Yuki Matsumoto pitcher each connected 1 inning with no runs. Trailing by one run in the top of the ninth, Osuna pitcher was pinch-hit for third base with one out, but he struck out the next batter to left field, but the game ended in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Fukuoka Softbank, who lost 2-1, were unable to mount a comeback with a reliever 5 pitcher runs relay but only 3 hit closer.

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Hiro 000200000 2
SO 000100000 1

Wide Kenya Suzuki - Ken Sugita - Daisuke Moriura - Atsuya Ikee - Hahn - Ryoji Kuribayashi
● Tomohisa Ozeki-Koya Fujii-Hikaru Kimura- Hernandez -Yuki Matsumoto- Osuna

Text by Aoi Nishijima

・ Match details/video