◆Pacific League: Rakuten Eagles vs. Orix Buffaloes (1st, Akita)

On the 1st, actress Natsuki Kato, a native of Yurihonjo City, Akita, performed the ceremonial pitch for the Rakuten Eagles vs. Orix Buffaloes game.

The game was held in Akita. Kato, dressed in a uniform with number 7, delivered the ball to the mitt of Irie, who served as the catcher, with a two-bounce throw. 'I would give myself a score of 80,' Kato said with a cheerful voice.

During last season's ceremonial pitch, she threw underhand due to a right elbow injury. On this day, she threw a powerful ball overhand. 'I spent an hour in the middle of the night practicing my form at a park while recording videos. It felt like a comeback from injury, as I was finally able to return to a normal throwing style after a year. Many local people came to support me, livening up the game with their warm cheers. I would love to do this again for a third year,' she said with a shy smile.