Multiple Celebrities Perform First Pitch at Nippon-Ham, Orix Games in Japan

Several notable first baseman pitches took place before Nippon-Ham's game against Lotte at Escon, featuring appearances by various entertainers such as idol group =LOVE, actor Shinji Takeda, artist Ms. OOJA, and Morning Musume '25's Maria Makino. Despite some errant throws, these pitches were received with enthusiasm and laughter, contributing to the lively atmosphere, and were followed by special live performances. In other Pacific League news, Orix's Kazuma Sato overcame past pitching control issues by incorporating batting pitcher training, leading to his recent victory after 469 days. The Orix team also faced challenges with injuries and performance setbacks, including the loss of key players like Ryoma Nishikawa due to a fracture. These events highlight a blend of entertainment and competitive sportsmanship in the league's ongoing season.