Yokohama Baystars vs Fukuoka Softbank Prediction 24 October 2026

📊 The last ten head-to-head clashes saw both sides claim five wins each. DeNA have outscored Fukuoka 44 to 28, with an average of 7.2 runs per game. Notably, Fukuoka have been held to four runs or fewer in nine of those contests. In June 2026, the teams traded victories with scores of 8-3, 3-6, and 2-4. During the 2024 Japan Series, DeNA swept the final four games, conceding just three runs in total.

⚾ Starting Pitchers

Yutaro Ishida, a right-hander for DeNA, enters with a 2.91 ERA across 20 games-all starts-posting a 5-8 record. Over 120.2 innings, he’s allowed 110 hits and 41 runs (39 earned), striking out 117 and issuing 29 walks for a 1.15 WHIP. Ishida has delivered 13 quality starts, including one complete game and one shutout. In his most recent outing on October 11 against Yomiuri, he went five innings, allowing five hits, one earned run, and recording two strikeouts. Ishida consistently keeps his ERA down, and conceding just seven home runs throughout the regular season highlights his ability to limit opponents’ power hitting.

Naoyuki Uwasawa, the righty for Fukuoka, boasts a 2.39 ERA over 22 games-all starts-with a 10-4 record. He’s logged 135.1 innings, surrendering 121 hits and 44 runs (36 earned), while tallying 129 strikeouts against 30 walks for a 1.12 WHIP. Uwasawa has notched 16 quality starts, though he has yet to record a complete game or shutout this season. He wrapped up the regular season with ten wins and one of the club’s best ERAs. His consistent outings give Fukuoka confidence in his ability to go deep into games and keep the bullpen fresh for the opening clash of the final series.

⭐ Editor’s Prediction

Fukuoka have showcased a more productive offense throughout the regular season and just put up six runs in three straight games against Nippon-Ham. However, the Japan Series opener presents a completely different matchup. Ishida finished the season with a 2.91 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP, and in his last outing, he held Yomiuri to just one run over five innings. Crucially, he allowed only seven home runs across 120.2 innings, which is significant given that Kurihara and Kondo’s power hitting is one of the visitors’ main weapons. Once Ishida exits, DeNA can turn to a bullpen that has delivered six consecutive playoff wins and managed to shut out Hanshin three times. The last ten head-to-head meetings also underline the hosts’ ability to contain Fukuoka’s offense: in nine of those games, the visitors failed to score more than four runs, averaging just 2.8 per contest. Uesawa, meanwhile, is capable of keeping DeNA’s bats in check, setting the stage for a tight opener where explosive offense is unlikely to dominate. Despite Fukuoka’s impressive season-long potential, the hosts’ pitching quality, their relievers’ current form, and the head-to-head history all suggest the visitors’ offense will be kept in check. The pick: Fukuoka team total under 4.5 runs.