Nippon-Ham Fighters vs Tohoku Rakuten Prediction 7 August 2026
📡 Nippon-Ham wrapped up a tough series in Fukuoka with a 6-2 victory, marking their first win this season at the leader’s ballpark. Rakuten also picked up a road win, defeating Orix 3-1. Back on home turf, Nippon-Ham will send out a starting pitcher with an impressive personal record against this opponent. Kota Tatsu has already beaten Rakuten this year, while Jose Ureña’s recent full outings have been inconsistent.
Head-to-Head
📊 Nippon-Ham have claimed victory in six of their last ten head-to-head meetings, outscoring Rakuten 43 to 33. The hosts have won four of their last five games, with scorelines including 6-3, 4-3, and 6-2. Over the full season series, Nippon-Ham lead 10-6 and hold the edge in runs scored, batting average, and pitching reliability.
Head-to-head statistics Nippon-Ham Fighters - Tohoku Rakuten
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters Team Overview
Nippon-Ham currently sit third in the standings with a 57-45 record. The team snapped their losing streak thanks to a four-run eighth inning and some strong relief pitching. Returning to Es Con Field provides the squad with more familiar surroundings after their road trip to Osaka and Fukuoka. Tatsu is coming off six shutout innings against Lotte and has shown he can keep games close deep into the late innings.
Kota Tatsu gets the start for Nippon-Ham. The right-hander has made 20 appearances, posting a 3-6 record with a 3.21 ERA. Against Rakuten, he’s pitched twice, going 1-0 with a 1.00 ERA. In his only full start versus Rakuten, he allowed just one run over seven innings.
José Ureña will take the mound for Rakuten. The righty has appeared in 10 games this season, holding a 2-4 record and a 4.81 ERA. Against Nippon-Ham, he has one outing with no decision and a spotless 0.00 ERA. However, that performance doesn’t reflect his recent form: Ureña has surrendered seven, four, and seven runs in his last three starts.
Match Results: Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles Team Overview
Rakuten remain at the bottom of the standings with a 37-58-1 record. Their win over Orix snapped a lengthy losing streak, but the offense managed just three hits. It’s tough to keep winning that way without defensive mistakes from the opposition or near-flawless pitching. Ureña has dropped his last three starts, surrendering eighteen runs over 15.2 innings.
Match Results: Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
⚾ Starting Pitchers
Kota Tatsu gets the nod for Nippon-Ham. The right-hander has made 20 appearances this season, posting a 3-6 record with a 3.21 ERA. Against Rakuten, he’s taken the mound twice, going 1-0 with a stellar 1.00 ERA. In his only full start versus the Eagles, Tatsu allowed just one run over seven innings.
Jose Ureña will start for Rakuten. The righty has featured in 10 games, carrying a 2-4 record and a 4.81 ERA. He’s faced Nippon-Ham once this season, recording a no-decision and not conceding a run. However, that outing doesn’t reflect his recent form: Ureña has surrendered seven, four, and seven runs in his last three starts.
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
Both teams are coming off wins, but Nippon-Ham’s victory stands out as they took down the league leaders and racked up nine hits. Rakuten, by contrast, managed just three runs on three hits. Tatsu has looked sharp against this lineup, posting a 1.00 ERA across two appearances. Ureña did shut them out in one head-to-head clash, but his recent outings have been shaky, with significant runs allowed. The hosts lead the season series 10-6, tend to perform better over longer stretches, and boast a deeper lineup. If Tatsu delivers a solid start, Nippon-Ham should be able to control the late innings as well. Our pick: Nippon-Ham to win with a -1.5 run handicap.
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Betting Tips: Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters - Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
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