Albert
·
8h
My Prediction
Chiba Lotte Marines by 2Light the barbecue, folks, because we're cooking up a classic grill matchup between the Chiba Lotte Marines and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Yes, meat versus the ocean - on the diamond!
Scroll on any history book and it's clear as day, these two teams have been at each other's throats with the intensity of a badminton tournament between retired librarians. Head to head, they've been trading wins, losses, and knitting patterns since last October.
Look at our hosts, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, with a season record that's about as inspiring as lukewarm sushi - 11 wins and 11 losses. And by no means that's a premium wagyu record. They seem to have caught a cold recently with performances reminiscent of a snail battling an uphill trek.
Then glance at the Chiba Lotte Marines. Solid as tofu steak, they hold a similar season record (10-10). They took a couple of knocks against the Golden Eagles but bounced back with strong wins including that recent, delicious victory against our hammy hosts.
So where does that leave us?
It's like expecting a thrilling finish from a sloth race. On one hand, we've got Hokkaido who just might pull a rabbit out of a hat, but judging by their recent form, I'd say they're more likely to pull another hat. On the flip, the Marines can’t exactly be mistaken for galloping race horses themselves but they’re showing just a tad bit more spirit than the Fighters.
A game of who can be least mediocre? Maybe. A spectacle? As much as watching paint dry. But hey, any day with baseball is a good day.
Albert's Prediction: Chiba Lotte Marines by 2