◆ Pacific League Seibu Lions 1-2 Rakuten Eagles (April 4th, Belluna Dome)

Seibu Lions 's Natsuki Takeuchi pitcher (24) took a career-high 10 struck out, including four consecutive innings, against Rakuten Eagles batting lineup, and showed a runs good pitch in seven innings, but his first win of the season was entrusted.

The score was 0-0 in the 5th inning with 2 outs. Takeuchi finished McCusker with a 146-kilometer fastball with a swinging struck out, and then exchanged touches with rookie catcher Kojima and returned to the bench. In the second inning, he took three consecutive struck out and calmly returned to the bench, but this time his expression was a little loose.

His fastball, which reached a top speed of 149 km/h, was incredibly powerful. His well-controlled change-up, which he kept low in the strike zone, also contributed to his high number of struck out. "I'm happy because this is the first time I've had double-digit strike out. I'll get my body back in top condition and do my best to pitch complete game and shutout game." He's determined to seize win next time.

After being taken out of the game, the team gave up two runs in the eighth inning, extending their losing streak to four games and putting them four games below .500. Manager Nishiguchi bit his lip, saying, "We don't have many batters in good form, so we have to think of something. We have to take action."