Match Overview
The Hiroshima Toyo Carp and Tokyo Yakult Swallows will clash on May 22, 2025, at Mazda Stadium in Hiroshima, Japan. This Central League matchup features two teams on very different trajectories in the 2025 season. Hiroshima sits second in the standings with a solid record of 21-18-1, while Yakult is struggling at the bottom with 13 wins and 22 losses. Hiroshima boasts a deep batting lineup and dependable pitching rotation, whereas Yakult has shown flashes of offensive power but continues to struggle with consistency and high earned run averages from their bullpen.
Team Key Players
Hiroshima Toyo Carp
- Shosei Nakamura (Catcher): Leads the team in RBIs with 31 and is a consistent contributor behind the plate.
- Shogo Akiyama (Outfielder): Brings veteran presence and reliable bat with 12 RBIs and great on-base capability.
- Hiroki Tokoda (Pitcher): With an ERA of 1.85 and a 4โ3 record, he anchors Hiroshimaโs rotation with control and low walk rates.
Tokyo Yakult Swallows
- Jose Osuna (1B): Arguably their best hitter with 48 hits, 10 home runs, and 16 RBIsโoffensive centerpiece.
- Munetaka Murakami (3B): Continues to show power with 8 home runs and 23 RBIs.
- Naofumi Kizawa (Pitcher): Best ERA among regular Yakult pitchers (3.65), expected to start and will need strong command to silence Hiroshima’s bats.
Match Pick
Prediction: Under 7.5 Runs
This game is likely to be a low-scoring affair due to strong starting pitchers on both sidesโTokoda for Hiroshima and Kizawa for Yakult. Hiroshimaโs better discipline and balance across the lineup give them the edge, but given Yakultโs recent tendency to struggle offensively, this could be a 3โ2 or 4โ2 type of game.
