Lotte's pitcher Andre Jackson (30) will start in the game against Hiroshima on the 26th (at Mazda Stadium).

Ahead of his first start mound in this season's interleague series, he emphasized, "The interleague series is very special, and I think that teams that perform well in it will be able to ride that momentum and play well afterwards. I consider it very important, and that's why I want to do my best to ensure that tomorrow's opening game leads to a team victory."

In his first year since transferring from DeNA, he has started eight games this season, compiling a record of 2 wins and 5 losses ERA 4.35. Last season, he only pitched against Hiroshima once, in a game at Mazda Stadium on May 23rd, where he was the win pitcher, allowing 4 hit 1 runs in 6 innings.

'I have experience playing against various Central League teams myself, so I'm looking forward to playing them again. There are a lot of good hitter teams, so I have trends and countermeasures in mind. I want to fight as one with everyone, and I'll be happy if I hit the best I can and pitch get into good shape." His NPB batting average is 7:2, but he is also motivated by his hitting, having hit his first three runs off Yanagi in a game Chunichi on August 29, 2013 (Yokohama).