Preview: BayStars, Tigers Set for Rubber Match in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan (Interstat) — The Hanshin Tigers look to rebound and claim a series win when they host the struggling Yokohama BayStars in the finale of a three-game set Thursday evening at Osaka Dome.

The Central League rivals have split the first two contests, with Yokohama snapping a four-game skid with a 4-1 victory Wednesday after Hanshin took the opener 4-1 on Tuesday.

The Tigers (3-2) enter with the momentum of a winning record, while the BayStars (1-4) seek to build on their first victory and climb out of an early-season hole. Projections favor the home side; Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 5-2 Hanshin victory, and its ELO system gives the Tigers a 61.5% probability to win.

A key player to watch for Yokohama is reliever Yasuaki Yamasaki, who was sharp in Wednesday’s win, pitching a perfect inning with a strikeout. For Hanshin, reliever Yuya Ishiguro was dominant in defeat Wednesday, striking out four over two hitless innings.

In Yokohama’s victory, third baseman Toshiro Miyazaki provided the punch, going 2 for 3 with a home run and an RBI. Hanshin’s Shota Morishita was a bright spot in the loss, collecting three hits, including a homer.

The BayStars’ early struggles were compounded by a three-game sweep at the hands of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows last weekend. Hanshin, meanwhile, took two of three from the Yomiuri Giants prior to this series.

Following Thursday’s game, both teams hit the road for weekend series. Yokohama travels to face the Yomiuri Giants for three games starting Friday. Hanshin will head to Hiroshima for a three-game set against the Carp, also beginning Friday.