Giants, Dragons Set for Rematch in Nagoya

NAGOYA, Japan (Interstat) — The Yomiuri Giants will look to build on a series-opening win when they visit the struggling Chunichi Dragons for the second of a two-game set Wednesday night at Nagoya Dome.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time.

The Giants (2-2) evened their record with a 5-2 victory Tuesday, powered by a three-RBI pinch-hit from Yoshihiro Maru and a solid starting effort from right-hander Forrest Whitley. The Dragons (0-4) remain in search of their first win of the young season after dropping four straight, including a three-game sweep in Hiroshima over the weekend.

A quick rematch is on tap for the starting pitchers from Tuesday’s contest. Yomiuri’s Whitley, a player to watch, is expected to take the mound again after earning the win with a five-inning, two-run performance. Chunichi will counter with Yumeto Kanemaru, who pitched well in a losing effort Tuesday, allowing two runs over six innings while striking out seven.

The Giants’ bullpen, featuring Taisei Ota, was sharp in relief Tuesday. Chunichi’s offense, which has scored just four total runs in its last three games, will need to find a spark against Whitley and company. Shortstop Kaito Muramatsu, who went 2 for 2 in the loss, is a bright spot.

According to Interstat’s projections, the Giants are favored with a 55.7% probability to win. The game simulator predicts a narrow 4-3 victory for Yomiuri.

Following Wednesday’s game, the Giants return to Tokyo to host the Yokohama BayStars in a three-game series starting Friday. The Dragons hit the road for a three-game series against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows beginning Friday.