Hanshin Ace Akihiro Aoyagi will be the opening pitcher for the second consecutive year as Hanshin aims to win consecutive titles in Japan. Hanshin won the number one title in Japan last season for the first time in 38 years.
Manager Akifu Okada has given high praise to his pitching thus far, saying, ''He has good control this year. I have high expectations for him.'' Pitcher Aoysagi is scheduled to start for theFirst time this season in the exhibition game against Yakult to be held at Koshien Stadium on the 8th.