Match Overview

The Nippon-Ham Fighters will host the Chiba Lotte Marines on April 26, 2025, at 14:00 KST at Es Con Field Hokkaido. Nippon-Ham currently holds second place in the Pacific League standings with an 11-8 record, while Lotte sits in fifth at 7-10. Both teams are looking to climb the rankings, but their strategies diverge. Nippon-Ham leans on a sharp, efficient pitching staff, whereas Lotte continues to push for offensive sparks despite ongoing inconsistency at the plate.

Team Key Players

For the Nippon-Ham Fighters, Shoma Kanemura (ERA 1.61) and Franmil Reyes (AVG .288, 6 HRs, 19 RBIs) have been key. Kanemura has provided excellent control and longevity on the mound, while Reyes continues to be the team’s offensive engine with clutch power and consistent contact.

The Chiba Lotte Marines look to Shogo Nakamura (AVG .242, 12 RBIs) and Austin Voth (ERA 3.40) for stability. Nakamura leads the team in RBIs, and Voth is one of the few starting pitchers maintaining a respectable ERA amidst a rotation that has struggled with depth and consistency.

Match Prediction

Pick: Under 7.5 Runs
This matchup is projected to be a low-scoring game. Nippon-Ham’s disciplined pitching staff combined with Lotte’s inconsistent hitting makes Under 7.5 total runs a strategic prediction. Given the form of starting pitchers and recent head-to-head results—two of their last three meetings stayed under 7 runs—expect a cautious, tactical game with limited scoring chances.