Chunichi vs Yokohama Baystars Prediction 12 August 2026
📡 Chunichi opened their home series with a 5-2 victory, snapping DeNA’s three-game winning streak. The hosts built an early lead in the second inning, while Yudai Ono delivered six solid frames, allowing just two runs. The matchup dynamic shifts for the next game: Chunichi will send veteran Wakui to the mound, while DeNA counter with one of their most reliable starters, Katsuki Azuma. This pitching edge makes a well-founded prediction in favor of the visitors, even after their defeat on Tuesday.
Head-to-Head
📊 Following Chunichi’s latest win, the season series is now nearly level: Chunichi trail DeNA 8-9-1, with a run differential of 49:57. The visitors still hold a slim edge in both victories and overall scoring, but the margin has narrowed considerably. The opening game of this series demonstrated that Chunichi are more than capable of making the most of their home-field advantage.
Head-to-head statistics Chunichi - Yokohama Baystars

Chunichi Dragons Team Overview
On Tuesday, Chunichi put up four runs in the first three innings and never let DeNA get close. Isei played a key role, delivering two clutch RBIs. The hosts collected eight hits without relying on home runs, showcasing their ability to manufacture runs and capitalize with runners on base. This victory brings Chunichi closer to DeNA in the standings and extends their strong run after taking two games off Hanshin earlier.
Match Results: Chunichi Dragons

Yokohama Dena Baystars Team Overview
DeNA saw their winning streak snapped after three straight victories over Hiroshima. Offensively, they managed six hits and scored two runs, one coming off a Miyashita homer. The main issue surfaced early, as Ogata allowed the hosts to build a quick lead. On Wednesday, DeNA are set for a much more reliable start on the mound, meaning the offense won’t necessarily need to deliver another high-scoring performance to stay in contention for the win.
Match Results: Yokohama Dena Baystars
⚾ Starting Pitchers
Hideaki Wakui, the right-hander for Chunichi, has made 7 starts this season, posting a 2.88 ERA with a 3-1 record. Over 40.2 innings, he’s allowed 45 hits and struck out 30, surrendering 13 runs with a WHIP of 1.18. Wakui rarely issues walks, but opponents have already collected 45 hits off him, including five home runs.
Katsuki Azuma, the lefty for DeNA, carries a 2.72 ERA through 17 starts and holds an 8-5 record. He’s logged 109 innings with 91 hits against, 84 strikeouts, and 39 runs allowed. Azuma has delivered quality starts in 15 of his 17 outings, consistently working deep into games and giving DeNA’s bullpen a lighter workload in the middle innings.
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
Chunichi took the opener in this series, but Wednesday’s starting matchup looks far more favorable for DeNA. Azuma has delivered 15 quality starts in 17 outings and maintains a 2.72 ERA over 109 innings. Wakui is also enjoying a solid campaign, but he’s allowing more than a hit per inning, and his five surrendered home runs add extra risk when facing DeNA’s lineup. The visitors don’t need to overhaul their approach after the 2-5 loss; they simply need Azuma to provide his usual six or seven steady innings and avoid handing Chunichi an early lead. DeNA still hold the edge in the season series, and their starting pitching depth gives them another advantage in Game 2. We’re backing DeNA to win.