Samsung at KT
SUWON, South Korea (Interstat) — The undefeated KT Wiz host the Samsung Lions on Friday night at Suwon Baseball Stadium in a clash of teams on opposite early-season trajectories.
The Wiz (5-0) are the KBO’s lone remaining unbeaten club, riding a potent offense that has averaged over 10 runs per game. They will face a Lions squad (2-2-1) looking to build momentum after a 5-2 win over the Doosan Bears on Thursday.
KT catcher Jang Sung-woo has been a central figure in the hot start. He is coming off a monster performance in Thursday’s 13-8 win at Hanwha, going 2-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs. For the season, he has three homers and nine RBIs.
Samsung will counter with a pitcher looking to replicate recent success. Right-hander Lee Seung-hyun delivered five strong innings in Thursday’s victory, allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out five. He will be tasked with cooling off the Wiz lineup.
The Lions’ offense was sparked in that win by second baseman Ryu Ji-hyuk, who hit a two-run homer.
Despite KT’s perfect record, betting markets list Samsung as a slight pregame favorite with a spread of +1.5. The over/under is set at 9.5 runs. Statistical projections, however, side with the home team. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 7-3 KT victory, and its ELO system gives the Wiz a 53.6% probability to win.
First pitch is scheduled for evening under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 56 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius).
The series continues in Suwon on Saturday and Sunday before both clubs hit the road for their next series next Tuesday.