Kia at LG
SEOUL, South Korea (Interstat) — The LG Twins will aim to continue their recent dominance over the Kia Tigers on Saturday afternoon at Jamsil Stadium, coming off a 12-2 rout in the series opener.
First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon under cloudy skies with temperatures near 81 degrees.
LG (31-20) holds a 4-2 advantage in the season series and has won four of the past five matchups. The Twins’ most recent victory was powered by right-hander Lachlan Wells, who threw six innings of one-hit ball with eight strikeouts in Friday’s win. Wells has compiled a 1.42 ERA over his past two starts, with 10 strikeouts across 11 innings.
Wells is expected to take the mound again Saturday. He has been particularly sharp against Kia, allowing just one earned run over his past two appearances spanning seven innings.
Kia (28-23-1) will counter with right-hander Hong Min-gyu, who surrendered two earned runs on five hits over four innings in Friday’s loss. Hong has been inconsistent against the Twins this season, posting a 6.00 ERA over two appearances, though he did record a scoreless inning in relief May 21.
The Tigers enter on a positive note after sweeping a three-game series at Kiwoom earlier this week, outscoring the Heroes 19-4. Kia has won six of its past eight games overall.
Shortstop Oh Ji-hwan has been a key contributor for LG, going 2 for 4 with a home run and four RBIs in Friday’s win. Left fielder Song Chan-eui added a homer and three RBIs.
Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-5 Kia victory, though the same outlet’s ELO system gives LG a 60.1 percent probability of winning.
Following Saturday’s game, the teams meet again Sunday at Jamsil to conclude the series. LG then travels to face KT Wiz on Tuesday, while Kia returns home to host the Lotte Giants.