YOKOHAMA, Japan (Interstat) — Two Central League teams searching for momentum will meet Wednesday evening when the Yokohama BayStars host the Chunichi Dragons at Yokohama Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 54 degrees Fahrenheit (12 Celsius).

Both clubs have struggled in the early going of the 2026 campaign. The visiting Dragons (2-8) bring a five-game losing streak into the contest, while the BayStars (3-7) have dropped seven of their last 10.

The series opened Tuesday with Yokohama holding on for a 5-3 victory. Chunichi’s Yutaro Itayama provided a late spark in that loss, launching a two-run pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning. The outfielder, a player to watch for the Dragons, is 2 for 8 over his last five games with both hits going for extra bases.

Yokohama’s Osuke Fukazawa emerged as a dual threat in Tuesday’s win. The pitcher threw four innings of relief, allowing one earned run on six hits with five strikeouts to earn the victory. He also contributed a hit in his only plate appearance. His performance out of the bullpen makes him a key player to watch for the BayStars.

Despite Yokohama’s victory Tuesday, statistical projections for the rematch are conflicted. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a narrow 2-1 victory for Chunichi. However, the same service’s ELO rating system gives Yokohama a 63.9% probability of winning.

Following Wednesday’s game, both teams will enjoy a day off before beginning new series on Friday. Chunichi returns home to Nagoya to face the Hanshin Tigers for three games. Yokohama remains at home to host the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in a three-game set.