HAWKS HOST GOLDEN EAGLES IN PACIFIC LEAGUE CLASH

FUKUOKA, Japan (Interstat) — The first-place Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks look to continue their strong start when they host the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in a Pacific League series opener Tuesday evening at Fukuoka Yahuoku! Dome.

The Hawks (10-4-1) enter with the league’s best record and are coming off an 11-7 road win over the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters on Sunday. Center fielder Ukyo Shuto was instrumental in that victory, going 3 for 4 with a home run and four RBIs. He will be a key figure in the SoftBank lineup.

The Golden Eagles (7-6-1) counter with momentum from a 4-0 shutout of the Orix Buffaloes on Sunday. Right-hander Ryota Takinaka delivered a dominant performance in that win, allowing just two hits over 6 1/3 scoreless innings. Over his last two starts, both wins, he has pitched 12 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run.

This game continues a recent stretch of meetings between the clubs. They played a three-game series in Sendai from March 31-April 2, which the Hawks took two games to one. The most recent meeting was a 5-4 Rakuten victory on April 2.

According to Interstat, the Hawks are heavy favorites with a 68.4% probability to win. Their game simulator projects a 6-5 SoftBank victory.

Following Tuesday’s contest, the teams will meet again Wednesday and Thursday in Fukuoka to complete the three-game set.