[Today’s NPB] If Lotte wins their opening series in a row for the second year in a row, it will be a first for the team! On the other hand, Seibu Lions loses their opening series in a row for the second year in a row…
Sports Hochi
March 29, 2026 08:00
☆Lotte vs. Seibu Lions (14:00, ZOZO Marine Stadium) Lotte: Kojima, Seibu Lions: Taira
Last year’s last-place team, Lotte, won their opening game against Seibu Lions (on the 27th) 3-1 thanks to a strong pitching performance from rookie Mori, and then win the second game on the 28th 11-0 with a powerful offensive performance. They started the season with two straight wins and have already secured a series win. Ace Kojima is scheduled to start on the 29th, and if they win the opening series for the third consecutive year, it will be the first time in franchise history that they have won the opening series for two consecutive years, following their three-game series against Softbank Hawks in 2013.
On the other hand, if Seibu Lions loses the third game, it will be their second consecutive opening series loss, the first being against Nippon-Ham in 2013. Losing the opening series two years in a row is unprecedented in the team’s history, making it a first. Will Lotte maintain their momentum and win all three games, or will Seibu Lions strike back?
(Other cards)
☆ The Giants vs. Hanshin Tigers (14:00, Tokyo Dome) The Giants: Yamashiro, Hanshin Tigers: Ito Sho
☆DeNA Yakult (14:00, Yokohama) DeNA: Ishida Yu, Yakult: Takanashi
☆Hiroshima vs. Chunichi (13/30, Mazda Stadium) Hiroshima = Kuribayashi, Chunichi = Takahashi Hiroshi
☆ Orix Buffaloes vs. Rakuten Eagles (13:00, Kyocera Dome Osaka) Orix Buffaloes: Tajima, Rakuten Eagles: Fujiwara
☆ Softbank Hawks vs. Nippon-Ham (13:00, Mizuho PayPay Dome) Softbank Hawks = Stewart, Nippon-Ham = Arihara
※ Match card (start time, stadium) and starting pitcher order