Hiroshima vs Yokohama Baystars Prediction 12 September 2026
π‘ DeNA travel to Hiroshima riding a strong run of form and opened the series with a commanding 6-1 victory on Friday. The visitors have solidified their hold on third place with a 60-63-3 record, while Hiroshima have slipped to the bottom of the standings at 50-68-4. However, with the hosts sending Ryoji Kuribayashi to the mound-boasting a 2.49 ERA-any prediction for this matchup canβt be based solely on current momentum.
Head-to-Head
π Over their last ten head-to-head meetings, DeNA have come out on top six times, suffered three defeats, and drawn once. The visitors also lead in runs scored, outpacing their opponents 42 to 30, with an average total of 7.2 runs per game. DeNA's recent dominance stands out: they have claimed victory in five of the last seven encounters, including two convincing 6-1 wins in Hiroshima.
Head-to-head statistics Hiroshima - Yokohama Baystars

Hiroshima Toyo Carp Team Overview
Hiroshima have managed to win just three of their last eight completed games, and head into this matchup coming off a 1-6 defeat to DeNA. Their main ongoing issue remains on offense: they own a .226 team batting average-the lowest mark in the Central League. Over 121 games, they've scored only 363 runs and hit 77 home runs. On the mound, their pitchers post a solid 3.40 ERA, with the bullpen tallying 101 holds and 27 saves. However, the lineupβs lack of run support consistently narrows the pitchersβ margin for error.
Match Results: Hiroshima Toyo Carp

Yokohama Dena Baystars Team Overview
DeNA have claimed victory in six of their last seven games, with their most recent three outings ending in emphatic wins: 9-2, 8-1, and 6-1. Over the course of the season, they have clearly outperformed Hiroshima at the plate, posting a .245 batting average compared to .226, tallying 482 runs to 363, and smashing 106 home runs versus 77. Their pitching staff has been just as reliable, boasting a team ERA of 3.36, while the bullpen has notched 123 holds and 29 saves. This current stretch highlights their potent offense coupled with consistently effective run prevention.
Match Results: Yokohama Dena Baystars
βΎ Starting Pitchers
Ryoji Kuribayashi, a right-hander, enters with a 2.49 ERA over 15 starts, posting a 6-5 record. Across 97.2 innings, he has allowed just 70 hits, racked up 86 strikeouts, and given up 30 runs, with an outstanding 0.85 WHIP. Kuribayashi has delivered 11 quality starts, including two complete games and two shutouts. Statistically, he stands out as one of the top starters on today's slate.
Syuto Ogata, also a righty, owns a 3.18 ERA through 13 starts with a 4-3 record. In 68 innings pitched, he's given up 50 hits, struck out 74 batters, and allowed 25 runs, sporting a 1.21 WHIP and five quality starts. In his previous outing, Ogata went 5.2 innings and surrendered two runs. His impressive 9.79 strikeouts per nine innings suggest he has the tools to pitch himself out of tough spots.
β Editorβs Prediction
Looking at the starting pitchers, Hiroshima appear to have the edge: Kuribayashi boasts a much better ERA, WHIP, and consistently delivers quality starts compared to Ogata. However, the advantage shifts towards the visitors as the game progresses. DeNA have claimed victory in six of their last seven outings, racking up 23 runs over their previous three games, while Hiroshima remain the Central Leagueβs weakest side in batting average and trail DeNA significantly in overall offensive production this season. In their last ten head-to-head clashes, DeNA hold a 6-3-1 record, and they already cruised to a 6-1 win earlier in this series. Ogata doesnβt need to outduel Kuribayashi on the stat sheet-his task is simply to keep Hiroshimaβs bats in check and hand things over to a reliable bullpen, while DeNAβs current lineup looks far more likely to produce a decisive moment against either the starter or relievers. Our pick: DeNA to win.
