Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars: NPB Japan Series Game 4 predictions, odds and picks - Oct 30, 2024

The Yokohama DeNA BayStars lived to fight another day after defeating the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks 4-1 in Game 3 of the NPB Japan Series. The BayStars still trail the series with Game 4 scheduled on Wednesday at Mizuho PayPay Dome in Fukuoka.

The BayStars became the first team since the 2018 Hiroshima Toyo Carp to beat the Hawks in the Japan Series, which ended Fukuoka's 14-game win streak.

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

After spirited attempts at a comeback in Games 1 and 2, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars finally got the better of the juggernaut Hawks. Yokohama also limited Fukuoka to just one run scored, something that last occurred in the Hawks' 1-0 win against the Chiba Lotte Marines during their last game of the regular season.

As for the SoftBank Hawks, the historic 14-game Japan Series win streak ended, and it was also the team's first loss since falling to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters on Sept. 28.

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Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

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

Following the surprise start of ace Katsuki Azuma who returned from injury, Anthony Kay's start has been delayed by one game. Azuma became just the third pitcher in Japan Series history to surrender double-digit base hits but still came away with the win.

As for Kay, he has held his own in the postseason. The former MLB hurler has started two games and owns a 0.96 ERA in 9 1/3 innings with nine strikeouts.

Last start: Games 6 of 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

Kensuke Kondo, Hawks

After an unusual one-run game, questions surround the tactics of Fukuoka manager Hiroki Kokubo. In the Game 3 defeat, the only SoftBank Hawk who managed to drive a run in was Kensuke Kondoh.

The six-time NPB All-Star led the Pacific League in home runs and RBIs last season. If the Hawks' bats continue to remain sluggish, expect Kondoh to provide a spark for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.

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Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars Baseball Betting Odds

Moneyline	Run Spread	Total Runs
Hawks -182	Hawks -1.5	Over 7.5 +112
BayStars +154	BayStars +1.5	Under 7.5 -132

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Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars Expert Predictions

If there has been a common theme in the Yokohama DeNA BayStars' miracle postseason run, it's that they can produce wins even in the toughest of environments. They've also proven that they can win against the giants of the NPB on the road. Expect them to eke out a win against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks to tie the series.

Run Spread: +1.5

Total Runs: Over 7.5

Prediction: Hawks 4, BayStars 6