2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pacific League First Stage Game 2: Seibu Lions vs. Nippon-Ham (11th, Belluna Dome)

Seibu Lions pitcher Natsuki Takeuchi entered the bullpen on the 11th to prepare for Game 3 of the CS First Stage, where he is expected to start. Having finished his final adjustments, the left-hander expressed his determination, saying, 'Since it is the third game, I know we have no choice but to win, and of course I intend to give it my all right from the first inning.'

He showed a great performance on the 6th against Lotte (ZOZO), pitching four innings with zero runs. Regarding the big game on five days' rest, he stated firmly, "My physical condition is fine, and I can enter the game in perfect shape." If the team achieves a win in the second game, they will move on to the Final Stage against the Softbank Hawks starting on the 14th. He looked ahead calmly, saying, "(If there is no third game) I will prepare with the mindset of looking toward the next one."