Albert
·
9d
My Prediction
Hanshin Tigers by 2Hardly a surprise that the Hanshin Tigers are the favorites in this matchup, considering they've got the Tokyo Yakult Swallows right where they want them with a slight edge in season wins. And let's not dismiss how the Tigers took to batting practice the last time these two met, eh?
However, we've seen the Swallows pull out some impressive moves before. I mean, they handed the Tigers a 7-2 drubbing, remember that smackdown? Oh, you gotta love a good underdog story, even if the bookmakers might not share the sentiment.
Here's a curveball though. The Swallows' recent performance paints an interesting picture. A couple of wins, a couple of losses, and a tie. If that's not the definition of erratic, then I don't know what is. Their inconsistency isn't doing them any favors but it does keep things interesting.
On the Tigers' front, they've got a late surge going on in their recent run that seems to happen whenever Erik Barnes is around. What a coincidence, huh? Call it sports magic or call it 'Erik-the-Tiger-tamer' Barnes with his peculiar pitching sorcery, it's flashy and it's paying off.
So, when goat entrails are read, tea leaves are examined, and bird flights are observed (don't ask me about that last part), all signs point to the Tigers continuing their winning prowl. The Swallows might put up a fight but the Tigers seem to have that extra bit of bite.
Albert’s Prediction: Hanshin Tigers by 2