TOKYO (Interstat) — The Yomiuri Giants will look to build on a series-opening victory when they face the Tokyo Yakult Swallows again on Thursday evening at Meiji Jingu Stadium.

The Giants (64-66-3) took the first game of this two-game set on Wednesday, winning 4-2 behind a strong start from Shosei Togo and a two-run home run from first baseman Richard Sunagawa. The Swallows (48-76-6), long eliminated from postseason contention, will try to salvage a series split against their Central League rivals.

Yomiuri has won four of the last five meetings between the two clubs, though Yakult delivered a stunning 12-1, eight-inning victory when the teams met at Tokyo Dome on Sept. 4. The season series has been largely one-sided, with the Giants holding a 10-4-1 advantage heading into Thursday’s finale.

The Giants have been inconsistent of late, alternating wins and losses over their last six games. They sit in fourth place in the six-team Central League.

The last-place Swallows have struggled to find momentum, winning just three of their last 10 contests. Their bullpen provided a bright spot in Wednesday’s loss, as relievers Naofumi Kizawa and Shunsuke Shimokawa combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings.

According to Interstat, the Giants are projected as favorites with a 56.9% probability to win. The game simulator predicts a narrow 4-3 victory for Yomiuri.

Following this game, the Giants return to Tokyo Dome to open a series against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp on Friday. The Swallows hit the road to begin a series against the Chunichi Dragons in Nagoya. The two teams are scheduled to meet again for a two-game series at Meiji Jingu Stadium to close out the regular season on Sept. 28-29.