◆Pre-season game Nippon-Ham 3-4 Seibu Lions (ESCON)

Seibu Lions starting pitcher, Natsuki Takeuchi (24), left the game with a good performance, allowing one hit, two strike out, and no runs in the third inning. "My output was good, and I was able to pitch without runs, so I'm glad. I think things are going well," he said.

It's been six days since his last appearance. "I want to focus on results," he said as he took to mound. "From the first inning, my fastest fastball reached 151 km/h. From the second inning onwards, I pitched well, not allowing runner on base, thanks to good fielding by my teammates.

Manager Nishiguchi also praised him, saying, "The ball was coming, so it's good," and his condition is improving. Watanabe, who is competing for the opening pitcher position, also pitched well in the same game on the 4th, allowing only one hit and no runs in three innings, and said enthusiastically, "Everyone is doing well, so I want to compete with them. I'll do my best."