Preview: NC Dinos at Kia Tigers

GWANGJU, South Korea (Interstat) — A clash of early-season opposites highlights the Korea Baseball Organization schedule Saturday as the first-place NC Dinos visit the struggling Kia Tigers at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field.

First pitch is set for the afternoon. The forecast calls for cloudy skies and temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Dinos (5-1) have roared to the top of the standings, winning five straight games, including a 5-2 victory over these same Tigers just Friday night. The Tigers (1-5), meanwhile, are mired in a four-game losing skid and sit at the bottom of the table.

A marquee pitching rematch is set for Saturday, just 24 hours after the teams opened their series. NC will send left-hander Koo Chang-mo to the mound, who dominated the Tigers in Friday’s win. Koo pitched six innings of one-hit, shutout baseball, striking out six to earn the victory. In two starts this season, he has yet to allow a run over 11 innings.

Kia counters with right-hander James Naile, who took the loss Friday. Naile was solid, allowing two earned runs on three hits over five innings with five strikeouts. In his prior start, he threw six scoreless innings, indicating the potential for a strong rebound performance.

NC’s offense has been potent during its win streak, averaging over seven runs per game in its last four. Second baseman Park Min-woo led the way Friday, going 3 for 4 with three RBIs. Kia’s bats have been quiet, scoring three or fewer runs in four of their six games. Catcher Han Jun-su provided a bright spot Friday with a solo home run.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Dinos are heavy favorites, projected to win 8-2.

The series concludes Sunday in Gwangju before both teams embark on new series next week. The Dinos will host the LG Twins starting Tuesday, while the Tigers will welcome the Samsung Lions.