YOKOHAMA Japan (Interstat) — The Yokohama BayStars will look to capitalize on home-field advantage and a recent victory over their rivals when they host the Yomiuri Giants in a pivotal playoff game Sunday evening at Yokohama Stadium.

Forecasted rain and a temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit could be a factor in the contest between the Central League foes. The BayStars (73-67-5) enter with a slight edge in the season series and the overall standings while the Giants (70-70-4) are looking to level their record and even the playoff matchup.

Yokohama took the opening game of this series on Saturday winning 6-2 behind a dominant pitching performance from Anthony Kay who struck out eight over seven innings and a two-homer three-RBI night from Yoshitomo Tsutsugoh. Yomiuri’s lone bright spot in the loss was a home run from Gakuto Wakabayashi.

The rivalry has been tightly contested and high-scoring of late. In their last 15 meetings the BayStars hold a narrow 8-6-1 advantage with several games decided by one run including a 9-8 Yomiuri win on Sept. 27.

Statistical projections favor the home team. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 5-4 victory for the BayStars and its ELO system gives Yokohama a 56.60 percent probability to win.

The outcome will set the tone for the remainder of the short series with games scheduled for Monday and Tuesday also in Yokohama.