There were six games on Thursday, as Drew Anderson made a winning Japan debut for the Hiroshima Carp. We also had one unusual play, while Swallows manager Shingo Takatsu reminded us he is a slave to convention and Dragons manager Kazuyoshi Tatsunami gave further evidence that his patience is limited.

Elsewhere, Tomoyuki Sugano, who left last Friday’s 3-2 loss to the Hanshin Tigers with discomfort in his right elbow is expected to make his next start on Tuesday against the DeNA BayStars, pitching coach Masumi Kuwata said, according to Sankei Sports.

It was also Roki Eve, with Roki Sasaki poised to return to the mound Friday for the Lotte Marines against the SoftBank Hawks, who were propelled into the weekend by a vintage start from  

Shall we get started?