◆ Pacific League: Rakuten Eagles 5-1 Orix Buffaloes (1st, Akita)

He gave it his all. Receiving cheers filled with expectation, Rakuten Eagles' second-round draft pick Tatsuki Ito pitcher (23) = Waseda University = finished his outing. With a three-run lead and two outs with the bases loaded in the 6th inning, he retired Yamanaka on a fly ball to center with a 146 km/h fastball high in the middle of the zone. Undeterred by crosswinds with a maximum speed of 20 meters, he delivered a strong performance, allowing 4 hit and 3 Walk with 0 runs over 6 innings. His second professional win was a triumphant victory in his home region. "I feel a sense of relief and happiness," he said. The Akita breeze felt pleasant.

Born in Misato Town, Akita. He proudly says, "Everyone is warm." He attended Shukoh Junior High School in Miyagi from middle school onwards, and had never pitched at Komachi Stadium until turning professional. His first appearance there was a Farm League game against DeNA (Akita) on June 13. Although he struggled in that game, allowing 5 runs in 5 innings, he showed his true potential on the mound he stepped onto with the desire to "show a good performance." Mixing breaking balls with a fastball reaching a maximum of 148 km/h, he struck out 8 batters.

He performed dynamically in front of his beloved family. His father Manabu, mother Yuko, older brother Sho, and grandmother Nobuko were watching from the first-base side seats. His father spoke to him as he entered the stadium, saying, 'Don't spin your wheels. Don't tense up.' These were words of concern for a son who was likely approaching the game with full intensity. He was happy to hear them. As a child, the right-hander had been taught by his father to 'look at the whole picture.' Even in tight spots, he looked around at his surroundings and pitched with dignity until the end.

He secured his second consecutive victory since his first professional start, snapping the team's three-game losing streak. Manager Yoshii praised him, saying, 'It was a pitch unlike that of a rookie.' The 23-year-old with nerves of steel delivered a heroic performance in his hometown. (Kota Miyauchi)