Professional baseball pitcher Hiroto Takahashi, who helped the Japan team win the WBC = World Baseball Classic, took the mound for the game of the second team to prepare for the pitching in the first team.
Takahashi Chunichi became the youngest player to be selected for the WBC Japan team and contributed to the Japan's victory by appearing in three matches at the tournament, including the final.
The WBC has been adjusting to throw about 1 pitches per game as a reliever, and since he is not adjusting enough as a starter, he started the Western League match against Rakuten on the 30th at Nagoya Baseball Stadium.
Takahashi gave up three runs, including a two-run home run in four innings after throwing 29 pitches, but he also showed his strength, striking out six in his favorite split.
After the game, he practiced throwing in the bullpen and threw about 2 pitches combined.
Takahashi said, "There were home runs and runs conceded after that, but the ball itself wasn't that bad, and I'm ready to go from the start of the season."
Manager Kazuyoshi Tachinami has indicated that he wants Takahashi to start in the opening three games on the home card starting on April 4.