Hanshin vs Yokohama Baystars Prediction 17 October 2026
📡 On October 17, Koshien Stadium will host Game 4 of the Central League Climax Series Final Stage, as the Hanshin Tigers take on the DeNA BayStars. The visitors are just one win away from clinching a spot in the Japan Series, having claimed the first three games with scores of 2-0, 1-0, and 4-0. Factoring in Hanshin’s bonus win, the series stands at 3-1 in DeNA’s favor. The Yokohama side need just one more victory to wrap up the series.
DeNA keep three consecutive clean sheets
📊 The teams have faced off 25 times in the regular season, with Hanshin holding a narrow edge-13 wins to DeNA’s 12. However, the playoffs have flipped the script entirely. DeNA have claimed three straight victories on the road, shutting out the hosts in each game. This remarkable run highlights the visitors’ outstanding defensive organization and exposes Hanshin’s ongoing struggles at the plate.
Head-to-head statistics Hanshin - Yokohama Baystars
Hanshin are now just one step away from elimination
Hanshin finished the regular season atop the standings with 79 wins, 62 losses, and two draws. However, the team has unexpectedly run into serious trouble in this decisive series. The Tigers’ offense has struggled to find answers against the opposition’s pitching, and even strong performances from their own starters have failed to turn the tide.
The first two games, both narrow defeats, were especially telling. Now, the hosts must win three straight to keep their campaign alive-any further slip-up will bring their season to an abrupt end. Under this kind of pressure, mental resilience becomes absolutely crucial.
Match Results: Hanshin Tigers
The BayStars are poised to book their place in the Japan Series.
DeNA wrapped up the regular season in third place, finishing with a 71-69 record and three draws. However, the BayStars have hit their stride at just the right time. They first swept Yomiuri in back-to-back games before notching three straight wins over Hanshin.
The visitors’ biggest asset has been the reliability of their pitching staff. DeNA didn’t allow a single run in the final series, with the bullpen confidently shutting the door late in games. Meanwhile, their offense is picking up steam: after two low-scoring contests, the team put up four runs in Game 3. The visitors have every reason to believe they can keep their winning streak alive.
Match Results: Yokohama Dena Baystars
⚾ Starting Pitchers
Hanshin are set to start Kotaro Otake, who wrapped up the regular season with seven wins, nine losses, and a 2.74 ERA. While his overall numbers are solid, the left-hander has struggled against DeNA: one win, three losses, and a 4.15 ERA across four starts.
The visitors will counter with Katsuki Azuma, who posted a 12-6 record and a 2.40 ERA. He faced Hanshin once during the regular season, earning the win with a 3.86 ERA. Azuma also impressed on October 10, working seven strong innings against Yomiuri and allowing just one run. Taken together, DeNA’s starter appears to have the edge on the mound.
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
DeNA are in outstanding form and hold a clear edge both in recent results and in the upcoming starting pitching matchup. Hanshin remain a dangerous opponent, but their ongoing scoring drought and the mounting pressure to deliver at home make things much tougher for the hosts. Ohtake has struggled against the BayStars throughout the regular season, while Azuma is well-equipped to give the visitors quality innings from the start. We expect DeNA to capitalize on their advantages and book their place in the Japan Series. Our pick: Yokohama to win.
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Betting Tips: Hanshin Tigers - Yokohama Dena Baystars
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