Giants Look to Extend Dragons’ Skid in Nagoya

NAGOYA, Japan (Interstat) — The slumping Chunichi Dragons will try to snap a five-game losing streak to open the season when they host the Yomiuri Giants on Thursday evening at Nagoya Dome.

The Dragons (0-5) have dropped the first two games of this series by scores of 5-2 and 6-5. Their winless start across all competitions is the club’s worst in recent memory.

Conversely, the Giants (3-2) have found momentum in Nagoya, winning three of their last four. They edged the Dragons 6-5 on Wednesday, powered by a two-hit, three-RBI performance from right fielder Shunsuke Sasaki, who homered.

A quick rematch is set for the pitchers from that one-run game. Veteran right-hander Masahiro Tanaka is expected to take the mound for Yomiuri. Tanaka earned the win Wednesday, allowing two earned runs over 5 2/3 innings. Chunichi is likely to counter with right-hander Masaki Nakanishi, who took the loss after surrendering four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in that same contest.

Tanaka provides stability for the Giants, while the Dragons will look to Nakanishi and third baseman Hiroki Fukunaga, who homered Wednesday, to spark a turnaround.

According to Interstat, the Giants are projected favorites with a 56.3% win probability. The outlet’s game simulator predicts a 4-2 Yomiuri victory.

Following the series finale, the Giants return to Tokyo to host the Yokohama BayStars for a three-game set starting Friday. The Dragons hit the road for a three-game series against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, also beginning Friday.