On the 9th, Nippon-Ham conducted pre-game adjustments at Belluna Dome starting at 2:00 PM in preparation for the Climax Series (CS) First Stage against the Seibu Lions. Before the start of practice, Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (54) and Player Association President Kotaro Kiyomiya (27) attended a press conference alongside Seibu Lions Manager Nishiguchi and Player Association President Tonosaki.

This marks the third consecutive year on the Climax Series stage for Manager Shinjo. Upon hearing that the Seibu Lions are currently on a nine-game losing streak in the Climax Series, he showed a look of surprise, saying, 'I didn't know that.' Noting that their opponent is in the Climax Series for the first time in four years, he laughed and said, 'There will probably be some tension. We've been here three years in a row, so we're used to the atmosphere.' He intends to use that experience to advance past the first stage for the third consecutive year.

As a key player for that purpose, Manager Shinjo named 'Shibata-kun,' the second-year player Leo Shibata (20). The Boss evaluates the Seibu Lions' Taira, whom they face in the first game, as 'the best pitcher among the 12 teams. It might be difficult unless we start something using a walk as an opportunity. He is that good of a pitcher.' To conquer this formidable opponent, he stated he would use him at first base, saying, 'There is no data on Shibata-kun. He seems like he can handle fast pitchers.' Expecting momentum from Leo Shibata, who hit a Home Run to right field with a line drive in the intra-squad game on the 7th, he will send him out as part of the starting line-up.