Seibu Lions Lions pitcher Kosei Takahashi (29) will start in the preseason opener against Rakuten Eagles on the 17th (at Belluna Dome).

On this day, he participated in starter practice at the stadium. After warming up, he adjusted by playing catch ball with left fielder Takeuchi.

The team has been on a road trip since concluding spring training on February 23rd, without returning to their home stadium, and this game will be their first game at Belluna Dome this season. "First of all, since it's my first game at Belluna, I want to get a feel for the atmosphere again. I've also started throwing some new pitches, so I want to check those out and really approach the game like any other game." The right-hander announced his intention to challenge the majors using the posting system last offseason, but ultimately decided to stay with Seibu Lions. This will be his first time pitching in front of home fans since then. "I don't think my feelings will be any different," he said, but added, "Home is home. I can get completely fired up, including the atmosphere, so I want to feel that power while I pitch," expressing his anticipation of taking mound with the Lions fans' cheers behind him.