Giants, Twins Set for Rubber Match in Seoul

SEOUL (Interstat) — The LG Twins look to reclaim their home-field advantage Thursday night when they host the Lotte Giants in the finale of a three-game series at Jamsil Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celsius).

The series is knotted at one game apiece. The Twins (10-5) took the opener 2-1 on Tuesday, but the Giants (6-9) responded with a 2-0 shutout victory Wednesday behind a dominant pitching performance.

That sets the stage for a compelling pitching rematch from that game. Lotte’s Kim Jin-uk, who earned the win Wednesday with 6 2/3 scoreless innings, is expected to start on short rest. Over his last two outings, Kim has allowed just one earned run over 14 2/3 innings with 11 strikeouts.

He will face LG’s Lachlan Wells, who was the hard-luck loser in Wednesday’s contest. Wells surrendered just one earned run on three hits over seven innings. The Twins’ bullpen, which had been reliable, will look to rebound after the offense was silenced.

The Twins enter with the superior record and have been strong at home this season. According to Interstat, LG is projected as a significant favorite with a 69.7% win probability. Their game simulator predicts a 7-2 victory for the home side.

Following the game, both teams hit the road for weekend series. The Giants will host the Hanwha Eagles, while the Twins travel to face the Samsung Lions.