Preview: KT Wiz at Kia Tigers

GWANGJU, South Korea (Interstat) — The first-place KT Wiz visit Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on Friday evening to open a four-game series against the Kia Tigers, seeking to extend a streak of dominance over their division rivals.

KT (19-9) enters the 56-degree evening game under cloudy skies with the league’s best record. The Wiz swept a three-game home set against the Tigers last week in Suwon, winning 8-3, 8-3 and 6-5 in 11 innings. KT’s offense has been productive, scoring 28 runs over its past four games, though the team dropped a 6-5 decision to LG on Thursday.

Outfielder Choi Won-jun has been a key contributor. In Thursday’s loss to the Twins, Choi went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Over his past 10 games, Choi is batting .350 (14-for-40) with one home run and six RBIs, including a three-hit, one-RBI performance in a 6-5 win over LG on April 28.

Kia (13-14-1) has lost four of its past five games, including a 7-2 defeat at NC on Thursday. The Tigers are near the bottom of the standings but own a .500 record at home.

Right-hander Adam Oller is expected to take the mound for Kia. Oller (2-2) threw a complete-game shutout against Lotte on April 24, allowing three hits and striking out 11 over nine innings. However, in his most recent start Thursday at NC, he allowed four earned runs on five hits over five innings with five strikeouts in a loss.

The Tigers have struggled offensively, scoring two runs or fewer in four of their past six contests. Designated hitter Na Sung-bum homered Thursday and is a steady presence in the lineup.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 6-2 KT victory, and the ELO system gives the Wiz a 53.2% probability of winning.

Following Friday’s contest, the teams meet again Saturday and Sunday to conclude the series. KT then hosts Lotte for three games beginning Tuesday, while Kia hosts Hanwha for a three-game set starting the same day.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time.