◆Nippon Life Central-Pacific Interleague Series 2026 Hanshin Tigers 8–1 Rakuten Eagles (May 5, Koshien)

Rakuten Eagles 's second-round draft pick, pitcher Tatsuki Ito (22) from Waseda University, made his professional debut, hit, 2 runs, and 4 Walk in 2 innings, resulting in a bittersweet start to his career.

He came in as the third pitcher in the 7th inning with his team trailing by 3 runs. Facing a bases-bases loaded situation with no outs, he gave up a timely single to Fushimi and sweep doble to Kumagai, resulting in 4 runs scored against him.

Still, in the second inning, he scored a struck out from Sato, leaving all three in order, leaving the runs in order. A glimpse of his ability was shown. Manager Miki said, "I think he has his own thoughts in the end, but first, having been raised to mound, what he will do going forward with this new experience is very important to him. I think the coach will discuss various details again from now on, but I hope he can use this as a solid foundation for the future," expressing his hope for further growth.