Tokyo Yakult vs Yokohama Baystars Prediction 17 September 2026
📡 DeNA travel to Jingu riding a seven-game winning streak, enjoying their best run of form this September. The team have improved to a 64-63-3 record and currently sit third in the Central League standings, while Yakult are fourth at 56-71-2. The hosts send Yasunobu Okugawa to the mound with a 2.76 ERA, but the prediction for a DeNA win is primarily based on their current momentum and the depth of their offense.
DeNA seize the momentum in their series against Yakult
📊 In their last ten head-to-head clashes, DeNA have come out on top six times, suffering four defeats, and have outscored Yakult 55 to 28. The visitors have been particularly dominant in their two most recent wins, posting emphatic scores of 9-2 and 8-1. While Yakult hold a narrow 12-10 advantage over the course of the season, the recent momentum has clearly swung in DeNA’s favor.
Head-to-head statistics Tokyo Yakult - Yokohama Baystars
Yakult are once again conceding runs far too easily.
Yakult are struggling to close out the regular season on a high note. After edging Chunichi 6-5, they dropped back-to-back games against Hiroshima, 0-3 and 4-9, bringing their overall record down to 56-71-2. Offensively, Yakult are hitting just .236, have scored 405 runs, and hit 77 home runs-all three stats trailing behind DeNA. Their team ERA stands at 3.62, which doesn’t offer much of an edge either. As a result, much will depend on how deep Okugawa can go into the game.
Match Results: Tokyo Yakult Swallows
DeNA are on a roll, having strung together seven consecutive wins.
DeNA are currently one of the hottest teams in the league. After dropping a 1-3 game to Yakult, they bounced back with a string of victories: 9-2, 8-1, 6-1, 7-2, 5-0, 4-3, and an emphatic 13-2 win. Over these seven games, the team has piled up 52 runs. This season, DeNA are batting .248, with 517 runs scored and 117 home runs, while Maki ranks among the Central League leaders with a .289 average. Their team ERA stands at 3.29, which also tops the hosts’ mark.
Match Results: Yokohama Dena Baystars
⚾ Starting Pitchers
Yasunobu Okugawa, a right-hander, enters with a 2.76 ERA across 20 starts, holding a 7-8 record. Over 137 innings, he’s allowed 110 hits, struck out 107 batters, and given up 45 runs, posting a WHIP of 1.00. Okugawa boasts 15 quality starts, three complete games, and two shutouts. He consistently limits baserunners and provides Yakult with a solid foundation on the mound.
Yutaro Ishida, also a righty, comes in with a 3.18 ERA over 18 starts and a 4-8 record. In 107.2 innings pitched, he’s surrendered 104 hits, recorded 100 strikeouts, and allowed 40 runs, with a WHIP of 1.18. Ishida has delivered 11 quality starts, along with one complete game and a shutout. While his WHIP and ERA trail Okugawa’s numbers, Ishida is capable of giving DeNA enough length to hand things over to their strong bullpen.
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
The opening pitching matchup slightly favors Yakult, but all other key factors currently tip the scales toward the visitors. DeNA are riding a seven-game winning streak, racking up 52 runs in that span, while Yakult have conceded 12 runs in just their last two outings. Over the season, DeNA hold clear advantages in run production, batting average, and home runs. The last ten head-to-head meetings also favor DeNA, who boast a 6-4 record and a 55:28 run differential. Ishida doesn’t need to outduel Okugawa on the mound-he just needs to keep the hosts within a few runs, allowing DeNA’s deeper lineup and bullpen to take over. Our pick is a DeNA win.
No comments
Betting Tips: Tokyo Yakult Swallows - Yokohama Dena Baystars
in 8 of last 9 games (NPB).in last 5 away games (NPB)..svg)
in 7 of last 8 Yokohama Dena Baystars away games (NPB).in last 5 games (NPB).in last 11 away games (NPB).Other predictions
