Preview: Doosan Bears at Lotte Giants

BUSAN, South Korea (Interstat) — The struggling Lotte Giants will look to avoid a series sweep and snap a four-game losing streak when they host the Doosan Bears in a rainy Thursday evening matchup at Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time under forecasted conditions of 58 degrees Fahrenheit and rain. The game continues a three-game set between the Korea Baseball Organization clubs.

The Bears (9-11-1) have dominated the first two contests, winning 6-2 on Tuesday and 9-1 on Wednesday. Doosan’s offense erupted for 15 runs in those victories, while its pitching held the Giants (6-14-1) to just three total runs.

A key player to watch for Doosan is right-hander Gwak Been, who is coming off a dominant performance against these same Giants. On Wednesday, Gwak pitched six strong innings, allowing one earned run on six hits while striking out seven to earn the win. Over his last three starts, he has a 1.50 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 19 innings.

Lotte will counter with right-hander Kim Jin-uk, who seeks redemption after taking the loss in Wednesday’s contest. Kim surrendered three earned runs on eight hits over five innings, though he did record nine strikeouts. Prior to that, he had posted a 0.66 ERA over his previous two outings, including 14.2 combined innings of one-run ball.

The Giants’ offense has been largely silent during their skid, scoring more than two runs only once in their last five games. Doosan, meanwhile, has won four of its last six.

According to Interstat, the Bears are a narrow favorite with a 50.7% probability to win. Their game simulator projects a 4-3 Doosan victory.

Following Thursday’s series finale, the Bears return to Seoul to begin a three-game series against the LG Twins on Friday. The Giants hit the road for a three-game set against the Kia Tigers in Gwangju, also starting Friday.