CHANGWON-SI, South Korea (Interstat) — The KT Wiz, winners of 53 of their first 91 games this season, visit the NC Dinos on Tuesday evening at Masan Baseball Stadium in a matchup between teams heading in opposite directions in the KBO standings.

First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time. The forecast calls for clouds with a game-time temperature of 87 degrees.

KT (53-36-2) enters the contest having lost three of its last four games, including a 15-1 rout Sunday at the Lotte Giants. The Wiz were outscored 16-5 over the weekend in Busan but earlier swept a four-game series at LG Twins from July 16-19.

NC (42-47-1) is coming off a 5-5 tie Sunday at the Shinsegae Landers. The Dinos have lost four of their last five decisions but have shown resilience at home, where they took two of three from the Wiz in April.

Players to watch

For KT, right-handed reliever Woo Kyu-min has been reliable out of the bullpen. Over his last five appearances dating to July 3, Woo has not allowed an earned run in 2 2/3 innings, scattering two hits while striking out two.

For NC, right-hander Riley Thompson is a likely starter or long-relief option. Thompson threw six innings Sunday against the Landers, allowing one earned run on five hits with 11 strikeouts. He also pitched six innings July 4 against the Kia Tigers, giving up three earned runs in a win.

Head-to-head

KT has won five of the last eight meetings with NC this season, including a three-game sweep in Suwon from June 12-13. In those two games, the Wiz outscored the Dinos 14-11. Overall this year, KT holds a 5-3 advantage.

Projections

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-2 KT victory. The ELO system gives the Wiz a 50.70 percent probability of winning, reflecting a near-even matchup on paper.

Up next

The teams meet again Wednesday and Thursday to finish the three-game series. KT then returns home for a weekend set against the Hanwha Eagles, while NC hosts the Kia Tigers for three games beginning Friday.