Yokohama Baystars vs Chunichi Prediction 14 May 2026
π‘ DeNA have comfortably secured the opening two games of their home series against Chunichi-first with a 3-1 win, then by shutting out their opponents 5-0 in even more dominant fashion. The prediction for game three centers on DeNAβs ability to maintain this momentum: the hosts have outperformed Chunichi on the mound throughout this head-to-head, while Chunichi once again come into the matchup struggling to convert their offensive chances.
Head-to-Head
π DeNA lead the season series 5-2. The hosts also have the edge in runs, 27 to 17, and boast a superior team ERA of 2.11 compared to 3.92. Recent head-to-head clashes in Yokohama have been dominated by DeNA as well: (5-0), (3-1), following an away win (6-2). Chunichi are hitting just .211 in this matchup and have already racked up 61 strikeouts.
H2H Stats Matches and Previous Teams Results

Yokohama Dena Baystars Team Overview
DeNA currently sit third in the Central League, having solidified their position with back-to-back wins over Chunichi. In this matchup, the hosts may not boast the leagueβs most explosive offense, but they have proven to be the more disciplined and well-rounded side across all key areas: 58 hits, 27 runs, 22 walks, and an impressive team ERA. Notably, while the scorelines in their last two games differed, DeNA maintained control throughout-never allowing Chunichi any sustained offensive momentum.
Match Results: Yokohama Dena Baystars

Chunichi Dragons Team Overview
Chunichi remain rooted to the bottom of the Central League after back-to-back defeats (1-3) and (0-5), once again facing their familiar struggle-making contact at the plate but failing to convert it into runs. Over the course of this head-to-head series, they have managed just 17 runs in seven games, while falling well short of DeNA in terms of pitching quality. Mahler can provide a serviceable start, but his current ERA of 4.63-and an even higher 5.68 ERA specifically against DeNA-hardly offers the visitors much stability. If Chunichi get bogged down early, this matchup could quickly play out in favor of the hosts.
Match Results: Chunichi Dragons
βΎ Starting Pitchers
Taisei Irie, a right-hander, brings a 7.11 ERA over three appearances this season with a 0-1 record. He hasnβt faced Chunichi head-to-head this year. His recent outings: 4.2 IP / 7 H / 7 K / 4 R, 3.2 IP / 3 H / 5 K / 1 R, 5 IP / 7 H / 6 K / 1 R. While his ERA remains high, Irieβs ability to rack up strikeouts is notable. Given Chunichiβs current offensive struggles, DeNA will be hoping Irie can keep them in the game early on.
Kyle Muller, a lefty, holds a 4.63 ERA from two starts and sits at 0-2. Against DeNA, heβs posted a 5.68 ERA and took a loss in his lone head-to-head start. Recent lines: 6 IP / 4 H / 3 K / 1 R, 6.1 IP / 4 H / 5 K / 4 R, 5.2 IP / 6 H / 6 K / 1 R. Muller has shown solid stamina on the mound, but heβs already run into trouble against DeNA this season, and Chunichiβs lineup hasnβt offered consistent run support.
β Editorβs Prediction
A DeNA victory looks like a logical continuation of their current run. The hosts hold the edge in head-to-head meetings, team ERA, and recent form: back-to-back home wins with a combined score of 8-1 highlight Chunichiβs ongoing struggles at the plate. Irieβs overall ERA isnβt perfect, but against a lineup lacking consistency, he simply needs to get through the early innings without major trouble. Mahle is capable of keeping Chunichi in contention, but his track record against DeNA and the visitorsβ weak offensive support make the Dragonsβ scenario less convincing. In this matchup, weβre backing a DeNA win.
