Yokohama Baystars vs Tokyo Yakult Prediction 18 September 2026
📡 DeNA extend their winning streak to eight games after edging out Yakult 2-1, solidifying their hold on third place with a 65-63-3 record. Over this run, DeNA have racked up 54 runs while conceding just 12. Yakult, meanwhile, have dropped three straight. However, the starting matchup poses a tougher challenge for the favorites: Taichi Yamano is enjoying one of the best seasons among Central League pitchers.
DeNA have seized the momentum, winning their last three games against Yakult.
📊 DeNA have taken six of the last ten head-to-head meetings and hold a commanding run differential over Yakult, outscoring them 51 to 25. The gap has widened even further in September: after a 1-3 defeat, DeNA bounced back with emphatic wins of 9-2, 8-1, and a recent 2-1 victory. In total, DeNA's last three wins in this matchup have come with a combined scoreline of 19-4.
Head-to-head statistics Yokohama Baystars - Tokyo Yakult
DeNA are on an eight-game winning streak, outscoring their opponents 54-12 over that span.
DeNA’s current run features dominant wins-9-2 and 8-1 over Yakult, 6-1 and 7-2 against Hiroshima, three victories over Yomiuri, and today’s tight 2-1 result. Maki is hitting .289 with 26 home runs and 67 RBIs, while Watarai boasts a .286 average. Their late-game pitching has been especially reliable: Reynolds owns a 1.45 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP, 27 holds, and 14 saves. Right now, the team is combining a red-hot offense with a deep, dependable bullpen.
Match Results: Yokohama Dena Baystars
Yakult are on another losing streak.
After Yakult’s 3-1 win over Hiroshima, they suffered three consecutive defeats-0-3 and 4-9 to the same Hiroshima side, followed by a 1-2 loss to DeNA. Their record has dropped to 56-72-2, leaving them nine games behind third place. In the bullpen, Hoshi posts a 2.95 ERA with 27 holds, but the rest of the late relief corps has been less consistent-Walters, for instance, carries a 4.93 ERA. Given DeNA’s current form, it’s crucial for the visitors to get as many quality innings as possible from Yamano in the starting role.
Match Results: Tokyo Yakult Swallows
⚾ Starting Pitchers
Hiromi Katayama, a left-hander, enters the game with a 3.26 ERA over six starts and a 3-2 record. In 30.1 innings pitched, he has allowed 25 hits, struck out 32 batters, and surrendered 12 runs, posting a WHIP of 1.38. He’s delivered two quality starts so far. Katayama does a solid job limiting hits, but his 17 walks remain a notable source of extra baserunners.
Taichi Yamano, also a southpaw, boasts a 2.43 ERA across 22 starts with a 10-4 record. Over 140.2 innings, he’s given up 112 hits, racked up 134 strikeouts, and allowed 44 runs, while maintaining an impressive 0.99 WHIP. He’s produced 15 quality starts this season. Opponents are batting just .216 against him, and he holds an excellent strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.96.
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
Yamano clearly has the stronger opening pitch compared to Katayama, but this matchup comes down to much more than just that head-to-head. DeNA are riding an eight-game winning streak with a dominant 54:12 run differential and have already beaten Yakult three times in a row. The hosts also boast one of the most reliable bullpens in their current lineup, with Reynolds capable of locking down both the crucial bridge innings and the late-game situations. If Katayama can keep the game within two or three runs, DeNA’s red-hot offense will have every chance to take control against Yamano or the relievers. Our pick is a DeNA win.
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Betting Tips: Yokohama Dena Baystars - Tokyo Yakult Swallows
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