The two NPB Final Stage openers ask a similar question under different series pressure. SoftBank starts with a two-win advantage over Nippon Ham; Hanshin starts one win ahead of DeNA. Nippon Ham comes in after allowing only four runs across its three First Stage games, while DeNA's manager is talking about defence and tight scores. Can either challenger keep that control once the host gets runners aboard, and where does its own first clean scoring chance come from?
Nippon Ham's recorded First Stage scores against Seibu were 2–3, 1–0 and 4–1. DeNA beat Yomiuri 2–1 and 4–1, but Hanshin also held Hiroshima to one run in each of its last two recorded wins. Those are useful clues about how each side reached this stage, not a promise that either opener stays quiet. Jiji's series report confirms the different head starts; Chunichi Sports reports DeNA manager Aikawa's emphasis on close games and defence.
