◆ A superb performance with 7 innings, 2 hits, and 0 runs! Mr. Oya said, "It felt like everything clicked today."

Lotte's Shuta Takano started the game against the Seibu Lions on the 1st. He earned his first win as a starter, throwing 98 pitches over 7 innings, allowing 2 hits, recording 8 strike outs, and giving up 3 walks/Hit by Pitch for 0 runs.

Takano delivered a superb performance, not allowing the Seibu Lions lineup to even reach second base. On the Fuji TV ONE program 'Professional baseball News 2026' broadcast on the 1st, MC Mitsuru Manaka remarked, 'He has a unique form, but he was throwing very good balls.' Analyst Tomotaka Sakaguchi analyzed, 'It looks really difficult to time; even after his right foot lands, his arm hasn't come forward yet and arrives late. However, once it comes up, his whole body moves toward the hitter, making him the type whose fastball feels faster than its actual velocity. Since the release point for his breaking balls is high, you really feel the angle, and he seems quite difficult to hit... I get the feeling that the more innings he throws as a starter, the harder he becomes to hit.'

Furthermore, when Mr. Manaka mentioned the team's pitching situation, saying "Lotte struggled to get their starting rotation together," the other commentator, Mr. Akihiko Oya, evaluated, "Since they are short on members, it's good to see a pitcher like this emerge. His arm swing is truly unique and likely hard to see, and it's rare to find a pitcher who throws from such a high angle, straight over the top. You don't see that much lately. I felt like he really clicked today." Mr. Manaka added with keen interest, "Because of the angle, there were moments where the Seibu Lions hitters swung at high fastballs, so I also felt the power of his straight pitches. I want to look forward to his next appearance."

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"