Preview: Seibu Lions at SoftBank Hawks

FUKUOKA, Japan (Interstat) — The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks look to bounce back and maintain their strong early-season form when they host the struggling Saitama Seibu Lions on Wednesday night at Fukuoka Yahuoku! Dome.

The Hawks (7-3) saw a three-game win streak snapped with an 8-6 loss to these same Lions on Tuesday. SoftBank’s offense, which has been potent, will again rely on first baseman Hotaka Yamakawa. He homered and drove in three runs in Tuesday’s defeat, marking his third home run in the last 10 games.

Conversely, the Lions (3-6-1) snapped a five-game winless skid (0-4-1) with that victory. A key performer was pitcher Chihiro Sumida, who earned the win with seven innings of three-run ball. Seibu’s recent success, however, has been rare; they have scored three or fewer runs in six of their 10 games this season.

The series opener highlighted the contrast between the teams. SoftBank’s .700 winning percentage is among the best in the Pacific League, while Seibu’s .350 points lower.

Statistical models heavily favor the Hawks. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-1 SoftBank victory, and its ELO rating system gives the Hawks a 72.8% probability to win.

Following Wednesday’s contest, the teams conclude their series on Thursday. The Lions then return home to face the Chiba Lotte Marines for a three-game set starting Friday. The Hawks enjoy an off-day Friday before traveling to face the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters on Saturday.