As the curtain rises on the highly anticipated Japan Series, the underdog DeNA BayStars find themselves facing a formidable challenge in the form of the dominant SoftBank Hawks. With the Central League's third-place club defying the odds to reach the season finale, manager Daisuke Miura is determined to seize the moment and make their mark against the Pacific League champions.

A Clash of Contrasting Fortunes

Momentum Fuels BayStars' Playoff Push

The DeNA BayStars have been on a remarkable journey, overcoming the odds to reach the Japan Series for the first time since their 2017 defeat against the Hawks. After a hard-fought Climax Series campaign that saw them win six of eight road playoff games, the BayStars are brimming with confidence and momentum. "We want to go into this with the momentum we had from winning the Climax Series," declared Miura, who was part of the BayStars' last championship team in 1998.

Hawks' Dominance Across All Facets

In contrast, the SoftBank Hawks have long been the powerhouse of Japanese baseball, and their numbers speak for themselves. While the BayStars led both leagues in errors and were fifth-worst in runs allowed, the Hawks have excelled in pitching and defense, making them a formidable opponent. "The Hawks excel in every facet of the game, as their numbers suggest," Miura acknowledged, but he remains undaunted, determined to prove that the BayStars can match their rivals' excellence.

Uncharted Territory for the Underdogs

The BayStars' path to the Japan Series has been paved with surprises, as they have emerged as the unexpected contenders. "We played just three interleague games against them, and my lasting impression is that a guy we pitched carefully to, Tyler Austin, hit a game-tying three-run homer off us," said Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the BayStars' offense.

Seeking Home Comforts

Despite their impressive road performances, the BayStars have struggled to replicate that success at their home stadium, Yokohama Stadium. Pitcher Andre Jackson acknowledged this challenge, stating, "We played better on the road this year. (At home) we need to bring that same kind of swagger we had on the road and not get comfortable."

Veteran Hawks Aim to Extend Dominance

The SoftBank Hawks, on the other hand, are no strangers to the Japan Series stage, having reached the championship series in 2020. With a 12-game winning streak in the Japan Series, the Hawks will be looking to extend their dominance and claim another title. "I'm grateful for this opportunity, and all I can do is pitch as well as I can to each batter and do my part," said Hawks ace Kohei Arihara, who will take the mound in Game 1.

Injury Concerns for the Hawks

The Hawks' lineup faces a potential setback with the injury to their top run producer, left fielder Kensuke Kondo, who sprained his ankle late in the season. While Kondo can still hit, his ability to field may be limited, presenting a challenge for the Hawks' offense.As the stage is set for this captivating Japan Series showdown, the underdog BayStars will need to draw upon every ounce of their playoff momentum and home-field advantage to overcome the mighty Hawks. With the stakes high and the contrast in fortunes palpable, this series promises to be a thrilling battle that will captivate baseball fans across Japan.