July 19, 2023 18:00 NPB Game: Chiba Lotte vs Nippon-Ham
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Chiba Lotte vs. Nippon Ham Game Analysis
Chiba Lotte
They aim to take the lead by sending Kazya Ojima (7 wins, 6 losses, 4.31 ERA) to the mound. Ojima, who won with a scoreless 7-inning performance in a home game against Orix on the 12th, is gradually regaining his form at home. The fact that he consistently pitched 7 innings allowing 2-3 runs both at home and away against Nippon Ham this year suggests that we can expect a quality start plus (QS+) in this game as well. Despite losing the game on Wednesday, Chiba Lotte's batting lineup, which scored 4 runs including 2 home runs against Ooyama and Matsumoto, shows that their away hitting is not bad. The key will be whether their focus comes alive at home against Nippon Ham. The bullpen, which allowed 4 runs in 5 innings, can be said to have led to a comeback loss due to overly naive pitcher changes.
Nippon Ham
They aim for a 3-game winning streak with Takayuki Kato (3 wins, 6 losses, 2.50 ERA) on the mound. Kato, who showed a strong performance of 1 run in 6 innings in a home game against SoftBank on the 12th, has somewhat alleviated his disappointment against SoftBank. It will be important for him to solve the issue of performing well at home and poorly on the road against Chiba Lotte this year. The key will be whether Nippon Ham's batting lineup, which scored 6 runs including 2 home runs while targeting Koja and Watanabe in Wednesday's game, can continue their revived hitting at home. It is difficult to expect high scoring in an away game at Zozo Marine Stadium this year. Seigi Tanaka, who secured the final out, is once again reviving as a closer.
Comment
Nippon Ham has succeeded to some extent in reviving against Rakuten. On the other hand, Chiba Lotte's consecutive losses on the road are regrettable. Considering that Ojima and Kato are highly affected by the stadiums and team matchups, Chiba Lotte has the upper hand in starting pitching. The bullpen management and offensive power are variables, but since both teams are evenly matched in these areas, the difference in starting pitching will ultimately decide the result. Chiba Lotte Marines, who are ahead in starting pitching, are closer to victory.
Recommended Betting
Outcome: Chiba Lotte Win
Handicap: -2.5 Nippon Ham Win
Over/Under: Over 6.5 ▲