Chunichi vs Yokohama Baystars Prediction 24 June 2026
📡 Chunichi took the opening game of the series in Gifu (5-2), but the second matchup shifts to the more familiar surroundings of Vantelin Dome Nagoya. This change of venue is crucial for the overall storyline: the domed stadium eliminates the element of weather, putting even greater emphasis on the quality of the starting pitching duel. The hosts send out young Erinosuke Sakurai, who’s had an up-and-down season so far, while DeNA counters with Katsuki Azuma-one of the Central League’s most dependable left-handers.
Head-to-Head
📊 This season, DeNA hold the edge in the head-to-head series with five wins, three losses, and one draw. The visitors also boast superior overall pitching quality in this matchup, though yesterday’s game proved that Chunichi are capable of capitalizing on a shaky start from their opponents. The hosts’ 5-2 victory narrowed the gap but didn’t change the broader narrative: DeNA continue to outscore Chunichi and consistently keep their rivals’ offense in check.
H2H Stats Matches and Previous Teams Results
Chunichi Dragons Team Overview
Chunichi gained a boost in confidence after their recent win, especially on offense: the team capitalized on DeNA's starting pitching struggles and never allowed their opponents to get back into the contest. However, replicating that performance against Azuma presents a much tougher challenge. The home side have played the season with limited offensive depth, and in head-to-head matchups with DeNA, their team batting average remains below .200. Playing at their domed home field, Chunichi are better served by showing patience at the plate, stringing together short rallies on the bases, and relying on solid defense. Trying to force the issue early on could quickly put extra pressure on Sakurai.
Match Results: Chunichi Dragons
Yokohama Dena Baystars Team Overview
DeNA dropped the opener of the series, but even during this rough patch, they still boast a stronger season profile in this matchup. The visitors have racked up 29 runs across nine head-to-head games, hold a higher team batting average, and feature a significantly better collective ERA. After the loss, the key for DeNA will be a composed start from Azuma: if the lefty can navigate the first five or six innings without major trouble, DeNA will be in position to gradually put pressure on Sakurai’s less consistent pitching. Matsushio stands out among the visitors-he’s come into the series in good form and is capable of providing much-needed contact at the bottom of the order.
Match Results: Yokohama Dena Baystars
⚾ Starting Pitchers
Erinosuke Sakurai gets the nod for Chunichi. The right-hander owns a 5.19 ERA over nine appearances, holding a 2-3 record with 43.1 innings pitched, 50 hits allowed, 48 strikeouts, and 26 runs surrendered. While Sakurai flashes strikeout potential, his high hit and run totals highlight his inconsistency on the mound. He’s already faced DeNA once this season, finishing with a 5.40 ERA in that outing. If Sakurai allows DeNA to string together long rallies again, Chunichi may be forced to turn to their bullpen early.
Katsuki Azuma starts for DeNA. The lefty boasts a 2.27 ERA across 11 games, going 5-4 with 71.1 innings pitched, 56 hits allowed, 54 strikeouts, and 23 runs given up. Azuma consistently delivers quality outings and rarely unravels; against Chunichi this season, he’s posted a 2.25 ERA in two starts. After yesterday’s defeat, Azuma is exactly the pitcher DeNA need to restore control and stability to the series.
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
Chunichi fully deserved their win in the opening game of the series, but a change in the starting rotation significantly shifts the dynamics for Game 2. Sakurai tends to allow a lot of contact and has already struggled against DeNA this season, while Azuma boasts a strong campaign and positive head-to-head stats in this matchup. The hosts might have a chance to strike early, but over the course of nine innings, DeNA have more reasons to expect a consistent performance: their starting pitcher is stronger, they hold the edge in head-to-head stats, and their lineup offers more offensive firepower. In our view, the best bet is a DeNA win.
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Will this prediction come true?
Betting Tips: Chunichi Dragons - Yokohama Dena Baystars
in 10 of last 11 games (NPB).in 6 of last 7 away games (NPB).in 9 of last 10 Yokohama Dena Baystars away games (NPB).in last 6 games (NPB).Other predictions
