Rakuten Eagles Eagles pitcher Kenta Maeda revealed his feelings on the 26th, the day after his first win of the season. In the game against Seibu Lions on the 25th (Rakuten Eagles Mobile), he pitched seven runs innings, allowing only three hit, earning his first NPB win in 3,919 days. The right-hander, who participated in pitcher practice at his home stadium that day, said, "Right now I feel a mix of joy and relief. It's only one win so far, and I have to start preparing for my next start from today. I can switch my mindset and move forward with my preparations in a positive way, and I think I can make the necessary adjustments. In that sense, I hope this will be a good opportunity."

Despite high expectations, he hadn't been able pitch at his best in his new environment. He finally got his long-awaited win in his seventh appearance. There were moments when he became emotional on the victory podium. He initially brushed it off by saying it was "because of the humidity," but later explained the reason for his tears. "I think it's partly due to my age, and I think those who understand will understand, but as you get older, things like that happen. I don't cry very often, but I think this was a particularly special win, and it had been a long time since I'd had a hero interview. Things like that don't happen in America, so in that sense, maybe a lot of things came together. If it had been in April, maybe it wouldn't have been like that, so there were a lot of reasons." His tears were a result of the struggles and hardships he had endured.