◆ Pacific League: Nippon-Ham vs. Seibu Lions (11th, ES CON FIELD)

Ayano Sato, a former member of the Japanese women's speed skating team who retired from competitive skating in March of this year, took the stage to first baseman pitch.

She won a gold medal in the women's team pursuit at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. Since then, she has won medals in three consecutive Olympics: a silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and a bronze medal at the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February of this year.

Stepping onto mound, he displayed a powerful form but delivered a slightly hooked, one-bounce pitch. "I was incredibly nervous, even though it felt good in practice. I got really nervous," he said with a smile.