On March 3rd, just two days before the World Baseball Classic (WBC) starts, Japan's national baseball team, known as Samurai Japan, participated in their last exhibition game against the Hanshin Tigers at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka. The match is significant as it serves as a final practice before the team's official debut in the WBC. The game showcased several key players who will represent Japan in the tournament, allowing them to refine their strategies and teamwork ahead of the international competition.

Starting for Japan was pitcher Hiroto Takahashi from Chunichi, who took the mound to solidify Japan's pitching lineup. Notably, Shohei Ohtani from the Dodgers was moved up in the batting order to the first position, indicating the coaching staff's confidence in his performance. Kensuke Kondo from SoftBank, who previously held the leadoff spot, was shifted to second, while Kazuma Okamoto from the Blue Jays, who joined late, filled the fifth slot in the batting order. This shift in lineup reflects the team's adjustments as they prepare for the WBC, showcasing their flexibility and depth in hitting.

Prior to the match, pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers addressed the media, emphasizing the importance of this final game for the team's preparation. With the WBC set to kick off on March 5th, the anticipation is building amongst fans and players alike, as Samurai Japan aims to bring home another championship title. The exhibition against Hanshin not only allows the team to solidify their lineup but also boosts their morale as they collectively build towards their goal in the upcoming tournament.