Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks by 2
Glancing at the recent history between these two powerhouses of the diamond, we've witnessed a tug-of-war of epic proportions. It's like a hotdog eating contest where nobody's really a winner, they just get more hot dogs. The matchups have been fairly balanced, but our buddies from Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks have been clutching those victories with a slightly tighter grip.
The Hawks own a regular season record that could use a little spit and polish. Nine victories to 13 losses, that's less appealing than a cold cup of tea left in the microwave. Meanwhile, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters are sitting pretty with an even 12-12, like a perfectly balanced diet of fastballs and curveballs.
Casting our gaze over the recent results, the Fighters have been having a bit of a rough go, much like a picnic with a hungry bear in the vicinity. They've been snatching defeat from the jaws of victory too often for my taste. On the other hand, the Hawks have been on a rollercoaster ride of wins, losses and ties, like a game of pong with a malfunctioning console. It's been back and forth, but there's been a few solid wins sprinkled in there for good measure.
With all facts and facetiousness considered, let's boogie down to the business end of this commentary. Factor in the spread, analyze the payout and season records, stir in the recent form, and we just might have an answer that's sweeter than grandma's pumpkin pie.
Albert's Prediction: Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks by 2