◆パ・リーグ　日本ハム―ソフトバンク（１２日・エスコンフィールド）

Sara Takanashi, who won a bronze medal in the mixed team event at the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February, took to first baseman pitch.

He received warm applause from many fans and smiled, saying, "I'm relieved that I was able to bring a bronze medal back to Hokkaido with the support of so many people."

When he moved up to mound, he pitch from the set position toward Yazawa, his junior from Nippon Sport Science University who played the catcher role. The ball landed in the mitt with a single bounce, but he said, "It's my fifth time throwing the ceremonial first pitch, but I'm frustrated because I couldn't get it to land."

It was first baseman first pitch in his hometown of Hokkaido. "Even though I wasn't playing in the game, everyone cheered me on so warmly, and I was given the opportunity to throw the ball in that atmosphere, so I really wanted to get it to the basket, but it's not that easy," he said, once again regretting that the ball bounce.

When asked about the future, he said, "I have a lot to reflect on from the 2026 season, and I have found areas that need improvement, so this season I will be working on those things while also thinking about my own jumping style. The World Championships are in February next year, so I will do my best towards that."