YOKOHAMA, Japan (Interstat) — A critical late-season Central League series begins Friday evening when the Yokohama BayStars host the rival Yomiuri Giants at Yokohama Stadium.

With just over a week remaining in the regular season, the BayStars (69-65-4) hold a slim advantage over the Giants (67-68-3) in the standings. The three-game weekend set could prove pivotal for both clubs’ postseason aspirations. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with a temperature around 78 degrees.

Yokohama enters the series with momentum, having gone 7-2-1 in its last 10 games, including a 7-2 victory over Hiroshima on Monday and a 12-inning tie with Hanshin on Tuesday. The BayStars have also had recent success against Yomiuri, winning two of the three meetings in mid-September, including a 3-0 shutout on Sept. 15.

The Giants, meanwhile, have struggled offensively, having been shut out in three of their last five contests, including a 5-0 loss to Hiroshima on Tuesday. Yomiuri’s offense will need to reignite against a Yokohama team that has won the season series 8-6-1 thus far.

Projections favor the home team. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 6-3 victory for the BayStars, while its ELO rating system gives Yokohama a 55.9% probability to win.

Following Friday’s opener, the two teams will meet again Saturday before concluding their regular-season schedules against other CL opponents next week.