The Yokohama DeNA BayStars have leveled the NPB Japan Series after shutting out the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Game 4. The BayStars have clawed their way back from a 0-2 series deficit and are one game away from completely obliterating the home-field edge of the SoftBank Hawks.
At the moment, both teams have each won two games in their opponent’s home ground. The pivotal Game 5 would dictate who takes the lead as the series shifts back to the BayStars home in Yokohama.
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Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars – Recent form and records
The Yokohama DeNA BayStars have won consecutive games in the NPB Japan Series on the road. This might seem too tall of a task for any other team, but not for Japan’s Cinderella squad. Yokohama won the first stage of the Central League Climax Series at Koshien Stadium, the home of the Hanshin Tigers.
In the final stage of the CL Climax Series, the BayStars won the first three games of the tilt at the Tokyo Dome, home of the Yomiuri Giants, before eventually winning the series-clinching Game 6 at the same venue.
On the other hand, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks have lost back-to-back games in the Japan Series for the first time since 2017. Interestingly, the 2017 BayStars were the responsible party for the feat. The squad also lost their first consecutive games at home since September 17 and 18 this year after succumbing to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters on both occasions.
Players to watch
Starting pitchers
Tomohisa Ohzeki, Hawks (8-4, 2.50 ERA in regular season)
Due to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks’ dominance, manager Hiroki Kokubo kept his rotation short postseason. However, his hand will be forced as the team goes to uncharted territory in Game 5.
Tomohisa Ohzeki will get the nod to start the pivotal game against the BayStars’ microwave offense. The 2022 All-Star tallied an 8-4 record with a 2.50 ERA and 77 strikeouts during the regular season.
Hitters
Masayuki Kuwahara, BayStars
Kuwahara excelled in back-to-back games for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. The outfielder has driven in three runs, including a solo blast in Game 3. Expect him to continue the hot streak into Game 5.
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars Baseball Betting Odds
MoneylineRun SpreadTotal RunsHawks -145Hawks -1.5Over 6.5 -110BayStars +127BayStars +1.5Under 6.5 -106
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars Expert Predictions
Pretty much like any other sport, baseball can be a game of momentum. The BayStars have already proven they can dominate the best teams in the league and even do it away from home. Expect a slim victory for Yokohama.
Run Spread: +1.5
Total Runs: Under 6.5
Prediction: Hawks 3, BayStars 4
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About the author
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alt=”Daniel Santiago” height=”72″ width=”72″>
Daniel particularly enjoys furnishing reports about historic events in baseball and analyzing the game through a statistic-based outlook, based on Fangraphs and Baseball-Reference. This is in line with how he enjoyed watching baseball as a pastime. As a writer, he is very particular about cross-checking from reputable sources and doing his due diligence.
He became a lifelong Hideki Matsui fan after his exploits in the 2009 World Series for the New York Yankees. Among the current generation, Daniel’s favorites include Shohei Ohtani and Jung Hoo Lee. Daniel is a huge follower of Asian baseball and both Ohtani and Lee have been in the top echelon of their respective leagues during their time with the NPB and KBO.
His favorite moment as a baseball fan was the final at-bat of the 2023 World Baseball Classic between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. He believes there aren’t many words to fittingly describe the intensity of the moment.
As an avid sports fan, Daniel watches other sports and Esports when not writing about baseball.
Edited by Ribin Peter