Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars: NPB Japan Series Game 3 predictions, odds and picks - Oct 29, 202

The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks take on the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Game 3 on Tuesday after winning Game 2 of the NPB Japan Series 6-3. SoftBank snatched away the BayStars' home field advantage by winning both games on the road.

The Hawks are up 2-0 in the series to extend their Japan Series win streak to 1 since 2018. They now have plenty of chances to claim the title at home. Game 3 starts on Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. ET.

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Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars Recent Form and Records

The first two games of the Japan Series' storylines are the same. The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks established a commanding lead early before the Yokohama DeNA Baystars attempted a comeback late on.

The Hawks now have a 14-game win-streak in Japan's biggest series, while the BayStars are 2-0 down as the series moves to Fukuoka.

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Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

Anthony Kay, BayStars (1-0, 0.96 ERA, 9 SO in postseason)

Still reeling from the absence of Katsuki Azuma, Yokohama DeNA BayStars manager Daisuke Miura's hand is forced to start Anthony Kay in the pivotal Game 3 after just a week of rest.

Kay during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays (Imagn)

The former Toronto Blue Jay and Chicago Cub has been one of the more consistent arms on the hill for the BayStars. In two postseason appearances, Kay has compiled a 1-0 record with a 0.96 ERA across 9 1/3 innings, issuing one earned run and eight walks while striking out nine.

Last start: Game 6 of the CL Climax Series Final Stage against the Yomiuri Giants (3 1/3 innings pitched, one earned run, two hits, four walks and three strikeouts.)

Hitters

Ryoya Kurihara, Hawks

It has been another productive Japan Series stint for Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks utility man Ryoya Kurihara. The 2020 Japan Series MVP has three base hits, one RBI, two runs scored and two walks in six at-bats.

Kurihara was a part of Fukuoka's four-peat championship-winning team from 2017 to 2020. Expect another productive outing from the three-time NPB All-Star.

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Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars Baseball Betting Odds

Moneyline	Run Spread	Total Runs
Hawks -125	-	Over 6.5 -103
BayStars +110	-	Under 6.5 -114

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Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars Expert Predictions

As the series shift to Fukuoka, the SoftBank Hawks are heavily favored to edge ever closer to their first title since 2020. The BayStars are in search of a consistent arm behind starter Anthony Kay. If no one steps up, it would be a stomp in favor of the Hawks.

Run Spread: -

Total Runs: Under 6.5

Prediction: Hawks 5, BayStars 1