Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes vs. Rakuten Eagles (26th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Hiroshi Mizohata, Chairman of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, threw the ceremonial first pitch for the second time this season and the 12th time in his career. The game was held as "Battery Rental Ju-ren DAY," a sponsored match by JUREN Co., Ltd., an official sponsor of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau. Wearing a headpiece shaped like a mobile battery, he threw the ball with all his might, but it unfortunately resulted in one bounce. He said with a smile, "I 'charged' up with the fans' feelings, and with only a few games remaining, I threw it with the determination to do our best to become the best in Japan!"

Before the game, the team was at a season-worst tie of three games under .500. Although they continue to struggle in 4th place in the Pacific League, a message of support full of affection was sent, saying, "There is still a 6.5-game difference with 3rd-place Nippon-Ham. There is still a possibility. Take the feelings of the fans and sponsors to heart and do your best, Orix Buffaloes."