◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Seibu Lions (13th, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)

Seibu Lions Lions pitcher Kosei Takahashi will start the game against Softbank Hawks Hawks on the 13th (at Mizuho PayPay Dome).

He has a strong record against this opponent, having won three consecutive games. When asked about the reason for his success, he made a surprising confession: "I started wearing contact lenses around the time the season started..." He revealed that the contact lenses are playing a role in his pitch rhythm, saying, "Exchanging signs with catcher is smoother, and I think the tempo is better."

This will be their fourth matchup against Softbank Hawks this season, and the right-hander smiled wryly, saying, "I think we're both thinking, 'That's a lot of matches.'" But he proudly stated, "I don't know how it will turn out, but I think I'm doing what I need to do." The team win their previous game on the 12th, moving up to second place. "The team is in good shape, so I'll ride that momentum and get the win."