The professional baseball team Hanshin Tigers, relay station ABC TV, and idol group NMB48 announced a special collaboration for the team's upcoming match against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp on August 17th.

The Hanshin Tigers are currently chasing after the current first place holders, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, and absolutely need a victory in their next game. Since they're one of� two teams in the Central League without any mascot girls or cheerleading squad, it's now up to the 16 members from NMB48's Team N to support them during the game.

The girls are going to sport custom-made jerseys featuring the Hanshin Tigers' logo and the idol group's trademark leopard print design.

Before the actual game, the group will support the announcers of ABC TV with "Ohayo Asahi Desu", and will also perform their debut single "Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo".

On the field, Team N's captain and self-proclaimed 'natural-born tigress', Yamamoto Sayaka, will throw the opening pitch. It will be her second time participating in an opening ceremony since Hanshin faced the Chunichi Dragons on May 14th. They are also going to help out the two mascots and even perform together with them after the fifth and seventh inning. Furthermore, after the second inning, they will assist in helping throw autographed balls towards the spectators.

NMB48 hopes that their cheering will to lead the Hanshin Tigers towards another victory, leaving them one step closer towards Yakult.

Source + Image: Sanspo