Chiba Lotte Marines pitcher Hiroyuki Kobayashi didn't come out of Tuesday's game against the Orix Buffaloes with a win, but he should've gained a lot of confidence.

Kobayashi (0-2) gave up three runs in Lotte's 4-3 loss but struck out seven and walked only two in his best start of the season.

"My pitching felt better," Kobayashi said after the game. "I feel like I can get better in my next start."