Seibu Lions Lions pitcher Kosei Takahashi will start in the first game back in the league season on the 19th against Orix Buffaloes (at Kyocera Dome), aiming for his league-leading eighth win.

So far this season, he has appeared in 10 games, recording 7 wins (3 losses), tied for the league lead, and has the second-best ERA of 1.08, behind his teammate Taira.

　交流戦では３試合に登板して２勝１敗。唯一の敗戦は両軍無得点のまま迎えた９回２死一、二塁で阿部にサヨナラ打を浴びた５日・中日戦（バンテリンＤ）と、全ての登板できっちり試合を作り、球団初の優勝に大きく貢献した。優勝が決まった１６日・阪神戦（甲子園）にも帯同しており、ナインとともに歓喜の瞬間を味わった。

On this day, he participated in starter practice held at Kyocera Dome. "I think the team will be able to return to the league games in good form after winning the interleague series, but I myself have not been particularly conscious of it and have been preparing as usual," he said, already shifting his focus to the league games. "I've been entrusted with the opening of the series, so tomorrow I will concentrate on throwing my pitches well and pitch in a way that will set the stage for the game and give the team momentum. I will do my best to keep the team's good momentum going," he vowed.