Preview: Hawks, Marines Set for Rematch After Pitchers’ Duel

CHIBA, Japan (Interstat) — The Chiba Lotte Marines look to secure a series win when they host the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on Saturday evening at Chiba Marine Stadium, one night after a narrow 3-2 victory.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 62 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Pacific League clash features a quick turnaround for two key starting pitchers. SoftBank’s Naoyuki Uwasawa (1-1, 1.38 ERA) takes the mound just two days after a brilliant, hard-luck loss against these same Marines. On Friday, Uwasawa threw eight innings, allowing five hits and zero earned runs while striking out nine in a 3-2 defeat.

He will be opposed by Lotte’s Kaito Mouri (2-0, 1.50 ERA), who earned the win in that contest. Mouri pitched seven strong innings Friday, yielding two earned runs on five hits with five strikeouts. It is rare for starters to face the same lineup in consecutive games, adding a strategic layer to the rematch.

The Hawks (5-2) enter with the league’s best record but have dropped two of their last three, including Friday’s opener. Their offense, which produced eight runs in a win over Nippon-Ham on March 29, was stifled by Lotte pitching in the series opener. Third baseman Ryoya Kurihara, who homered and drove in both runs Friday, will be relied upon again.

The Marines (4-3) have been inconsistent but are 3-1 at home. Their bullpen, featuring Keisuke Sawada and Sam Long who combined for two perfect innings Friday, has been a strength.

According to Interstat, the Hawks are projected to win with a 67.3% probability, with a simulated final score of 8-3.

The three-game series concludes Sunday in Chiba.