Seibu Lions Lions pitcher Kosei Takahashi will start in the game against Nippon-Ham Fighters on the 26th (at Belluna Dome).

In his previous start on the 19th against Orix Buffaloes (at Kyocera Dome), he threw 102 pitches over 5 innings, strike out 3 but giving up 6 hit and 2 runs, resulting in a no-decision. The team suffered walk-off loss in the 10th inning extra inning, and he said, "Based on my reflections from my last start, I've been making solid adjustments this past week. I want to focus on throwing my own pitches, concentrate on each hitter, and pitch in my own style."

The team is currently on a three-game losing streak, their first since April. To stop the losing streak, he vowed, "I want to contribute to win by pitching long inning so that I can bring some positive momentum to the team."