Rakuten Eagles Eagles pitcher Kenta Maeda (38) earned his first NPB win in 11 years. Starting against Seibu Lions (Rakuten Eagles Mobile), he delivered a masterful performance, runs only 3 hit and no strike out 6. In his 7th appearance of the season, he secured the long-awaited first win The Eagles and was overcome with emotion on the victory podium. He pitched his longest inning of the season, throwing a season-high 114 pitches. The team also achieved its first three-game sweep against the league leaders this season, and new manager Masato Yoshii (61) celebrated his 200th career win as manager.

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It was a victory achieved through unwavering self-belief. "KSKRKRS 18 You are Kenta Maeda." These are the words written on the brim of Kenta Maeda's cap.

"You are Kenta Maeda" was a phrase given to him by pitcher coach during his time with the Twins from 2020 to 2023. "The pitching coach always encouraged me, saying, 'You are Kenta Maeda, have confidence.' I had some frustrating experiences with the Dodgers, but he told me to 'believe in yourself more.'" This season, his challenge in a new team, he lacked his usual brilliance from the start. It was then that he remembered the words he had carved into the brim of his hat. "I decided to believe in myself and started going up to mound." By returning to his roots, he regained his true form.

The seven letters "KSKRKRS" represent the initials of his family and his beloved dog. "I've been writing it like that for a long time." He threw with all his heart, thinking of his family and those who supported him while he was abroad. (Kota Miyauchi)