Yusei Kikuchi delivered another strong opening day start and this time got a win for his trouble as the Seibu Lions defeated the defending champion Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters 8-1 on Friday evening.
Kikuchi allowed a run on four hits and two walks over seven innings. In front of 41,138 at Sapporo Dome, the lefty struck out four, but earned a win behind a strong night from the middle of his team's batting lineup and some sharp fielding.
"I'm relieved," said the 25-year-old Kikuchi, who struck out 12 a year ago to open the Lions' 2016 season but did not figure in the decision.