On the 16th, Rakuten announced that SKE48 member Maya Sugawara, a native of Miyagi Prefecture, will deliver a ceremonial pitch at the game against Lotte on July 1st.
Sugawara commented through the Rakuten team, "As I am active as a member of SKE48, I usually work in Aichi Prefecture, but I am very happy to be able to work in my hometown. I am happy to be working again with Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles with whom I previously threw the first pitch! I will do my best to liven up the atmosphere on the day!"