KT Wiz at Samsung Lions Preview

DAEGU, South Korea (Interstat) — The KT Wiz and Samsung Lions, two of the Korea Baseball Organization’s top clubs, open a three-game series Tuesday evening at Daegu Samsung Lions Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

KT (25-16-1) enters with the league’s best record, one percentage point ahead of the Lions. Samsung (24-17-2) has won two of three meetings this season, taking the series April 3-5 in Suwon by scores of 2-1, 8-6 and 0-2.

Right-hander Matthew Sauer is scheduled to start for the Wiz. Sauer (4-1) has been a reliable arm, posting quality starts in four of his last five outings. He last pitched Sunday, earning a win against Hanwha after allowing three earned runs on four hits with six strikeouts over five innings. Sauer has not allowed more than three earned runs in any start since April 22.

The Lions will counter with right-handed reliever Miyaji Yura, who has worked primarily in short relief. Yura has been effective in his most recent appearances, tossing a scoreless inning Sunday against Kia while striking out one. Over his last three outings, Yura has allowed no earned runs on two hits in 2 2/3 innings.

Samsung won its most recent game Sunday, an 11-inning affair against Kia that saw catcher Kang Min-ho drive in two runs. KT also won Sunday, edging Hanwha 8-7 behind Sauer’s start and a home run from left fielder Sam Hilliard, who went 2 for 5 with two RBIs.

The Wiz have won four of their last six, while the Lions have taken five of their last seven.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-2 Samsung victory, with the ELO system favoring the Lions at 54.70% probability. Samsung is a -1.5 favorite at sportsbooks. The over/under is 10.0 runs.

The series continues Wednesday and Thursday in Daegu. KT then returns home to face NC, while Samsung travels to Lotte for a weekend set.