In a triumphant return to the mound, Seibu Lions pitcher Koyo Takahashi celebrated a long-awaited victory on April 29, 2025, as he led his team to a 7-1 win against the Rakuten Eagles at Belluna Dome. This marked his first win in 597 days, a span that stretched back to September 10, 2023, when he last earned a victory against the Nippon-Ham Fighters.
Takahashi, 28, delivered an impressive performance, pitching six innings without allowing a run. He threw 88 pitches, yielding four hits, striking out two batters, and walking two. His stellar showing not only halted his personal losing streak at 13 games but also contributed to the Lions' third consecutive victory, bringing their record to 12 wins and 12 losses.
"It's been so long, I don't know what to feel. It's like my first win. I'm so happy," Takahashi said during the post-game hero interview, visibly emotional as he held the winning ball. His joy was palpable, and he reflected on the challenges he faced during his long wait for this moment.
The game started with a tense first inning for Takahashi, who found himself in a jam after giving up consecutive walks to Kosukeda and Murabayashi. However, he managed to escape the inning unscathed, striking out Asamura and getting Suzuki to ground out before forcing Watanabe into a groundout to third base.
In the second inning, Takahashi faced another challenge when Aube hit a double to right-center. Yet, he maintained his composure, striking out Soejima and picking off Aube at third base to end the threat. His ability to navigate through pressure situations demonstrated his resilience and skill.
The Seibu Lions' offense provided ample support, scoring seven runs by the end of the sixth inning. Rookie Seiya Watanabe opened the scoring with a timely hit in the first inning, and the team continued to build on their lead with contributions from the lower part of the batting order. Notably, Nagatani delivered a two-run single in the fourth inning, further solidifying the Lions' advantage.
Manager Kazuya Nishi expressed his pride in Takahashi's performance, noting, "His uniform number is 13, so it’s fitting that his losing streak stopped at 13." This sentiment resonated with fans and teammates alike, who rallied around Takahashi, celebrating his return to form.
Reflecting on his two-year struggle, which included a dismal performance in the previous season where he went 0-11, Takahashi admitted, "It was tough. I’m glad I won today. I want to keep winning from now on." His determination to improve and contribute to the team's success was evident in his post-game comments.
As the game progressed, Takahashi's pitching became increasingly dominant. He recorded his fastest pitch at 152 km/h and showcased a mix of fastballs, sliders, and forkballs that kept the Rakuten hitters off balance. By the end of the sixth inning, he had managed to hold the Eagles scoreless, showcasing the kind of performance that had made him an ace in previous seasons.
The Lions, who had started the season with a four-game losing streak, have now turned things around with three consecutive wins, restoring their win percentage to .500. This resurgence has injected new life into the team, and Takahashi's victory is a pivotal moment in their campaign.
"I always appreciate the support from my teammates, and I want to pitch even better so we can aim higher together," Takahashi stated, emphasizing his commitment to the team's goals. His aspirations for the future are clear: "Winning the championship is the goal. I want to help our manager, Nishi, become the best in Japan, and I take my responsibility wearing number 13 seriously."
This victory not only signifies Takahashi's personal triumph but also marks a turning point for the Seibu Lions as they look to build momentum in the 2025 season. Fans at Belluna Dome celebrated with enthusiasm, and the atmosphere was electric as they witnessed their team reclaiming its competitive edge.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Takahashi to see if he can maintain this form and lead the Lions to further success. With renewed confidence and a supportive team behind him, the future looks promising for both the pitcher and his team.
