Hokkaido [Nippon-Ham] Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo declares Hiromi Ito as the opening day pitcher: “He’s 5000% the opening day pitcher. closer, I’ll quit.” | Pacific League March 18, 2026
Hokkaido [Nippon-Ham] Samurai Japan’s Hiromi Ito rejoins the team; on slander and defamation: “Someone had to be in this position. I’m glad it was me.” | Pacific League March 18, 2026
Hokkaido [Softbank Hawks] Yuki Yanagita hospitalized with neck pain; Manager Hiroki Kokubo: “A recurring problem”; Downs also absent from practice due to tightness in his right calf | Pacific League March 18, 2026
Hokkaido [Nippon-Ham] Samurai Japan’s Hiromi Ito thanks the team for welcoming him back: “I’m really glad to be able to join a team like The Fighters” | Pacific League March 17, 2026
Hokkaido [Nippon-Ham] Yuya Gunji hits a supportive bat: “My bat broke, but (Ito) Hiroshi’s spirit is not!” | Pacific League March 17, 2026
Hokkaido Yuki Nomura hits a game-tying two-run homer, maintaining his strong form with a batting average of over .400 in the preseason | Pacific League March 17, 2026
