The Hiroshima Carp managed to climb out of the league basement after a strong win on May 10, despite enduring a losing streak over the weekend. On Saturday, a special guest appeared at Mazda Stadium: the mother of rookie pitcher Haruya Akagi.
In a heartwarming Mother’s Day moment, Akagi’s mother, Emi, threw the ceremonial first pitch just before her son made his first professional start. The 2023 fifth-round draft pick delivered two scoreless innings, striking out two and allowing only one hit, before being relieved as part of a planned bullpen game.
“It was an unforgettable experience,” Akagi said after the game. “I want to keep being a starter from now on.”
The unique “mother-child relay” was a first in Japanese baseball history. Akagi’s eight siblings also gathered behind the backstop to watch the special occasion. Former Carp pitcher and current commentator Yasuyuki Yamauchi praised the rookie’s composure, noting that he effectively fulfilled his role in the team’s pitching plan.
