Preview: NC Dinos at Samsung Lions

DAEGU, South Korea (Interstat) — The Samsung Lions look to build on a series-opening victory when they host the NC Dinos in the second game of their weekend set Saturday afternoon at Daegu Samsung Lions Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. local time under cloudy skies with a temperature near 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 Celsius).

The Lions (6-4-1) edged the Dinos (6-5) 8-5 on Friday night behind a dominant performance from center fielder Park Seung-kyu, who went 4 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs. Starter Ariel Jurado provided quality, allowing one earned run over six innings for the win.

NC will aim to even the series and halt a three-game skid. The Dinos have dropped four of their last five after a 5-1 start. A key to reversing that trend will be designated hitter Matthew Davidson, who homered in Friday’s loss. Davidson is batting .333 (10 for 30) with two homers and four RBIs over his last 10 games.

Samsung’s Park, after his breakout game, will be a focal point for the NC pitching staff. The Lions have won three of their last four.

Statistical projections offer a split verdict. The Interstat game simulator predicts a 5-4 Dinos victory, while the same service’s ELO rating system gives Samsung a 57.3% probability to win.

Following Saturday’s contest, the teams conclude the series Sunday before embarking on extended homestands and road trips next week.