Preview: Swallows, Tigers Set for Rubber Match in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan (Interstat) — The surging Tokyo Yakult Swallows and the Hanshin Tigers will meet for the decisive third game of their series Thursday night at Osaka Dome.

The Central League rivals have split the first two contests, with the Tigers (7-4) rolling to a 9-3 win Tuesday before the Swallows (8-2) answered with a 3-2 victory Wednesday. Yakult’s win improved its league-best record and marked its seventh victory in the last eight games.

A key player to watch for the Swallows is reliever Jose Quijada. The left-hander has been exceptional, pitching seven scoreless innings across seven appearances this season. He closed out Wednesday’s win, allowing one hit and striking out one in the ninth inning.

Hanshin will look to counter with starter Easton Lucas, who took the hard-luck loss Wednesday. Lucas delivered a quality start, allowing one earned run on five hits with six strikeouts over five innings.

Despite Yakult’s superior record, statistical projections are divided. Interstat’s game simulator forecasts a high-scoring Swallows victory, 8-6. However, the same service’s ELO rating system gives the Tigers a 65.6% probability to win at home.

Following Thursday’s series finale, both teams hit the road for weekend series. The Swallows travel to face the Yomiuri Giants, while the Tigers head to Nagoya for a set against the Chunichi Dragons.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time.