'Caught even Koo Chang-mo': KT dominates NC 10-5 behind four-hit performances from Kim Min-hyuk and Choi Won-jun [Suwon Field Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

KT Wiz secured their second consecutive victory by completely dismantling NC Dinos' ace, Koo Chang-mo.

KT Wiz defeated NC Dinos 10-5 in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 23rd.

With the win, KT improved their record to 27 wins, 18 losses, and 1 tie. Meanwhile, NC, now on a five-game losing streak, remained in last place with 18 wins, 27 losses, and 1 tie.

Facing opposing ace Koo Chang-mo, KT lined up its batting order as follows: Choi Won-jun (right fielder), Kim Sang-su (second baseman), Kim Hyun-su (first baseman), Hilliard (center fielder), Kim Min-hyuk (left fielder), Jang Sung-woo (designated hitter), Heo Kyung-min (third baseman), Han Seung-taek (catcher), and Kwon Dong-jin (shortstop).

NC countered with Kim Ju-won (shortstop), Han Seok-hyun (center fielder), Park Min-woo (second baseman), Park Geon-woo (right fielder), Matt Davidson (first baseman), Kwon Hee-dong (left fielder), Kim Hyung-jun (catcher), and Do Tae-hoon (third baseman) in that order. Starting pitcher Matt Sauer took the mound for NC.

Contrary to expectations, KT's lineup generated early offense. After consecutive singles by Choi Won-jun, Kim Hyun-su, and Kim Min-hyuk in the bottom of the first gave KT an early lead, NC scored one run in the top of the second. However, in the bottom of the second, back-to-back hits by Heo Kyung-min and Han Seung-taek, followed by Kwon Dong-jin's sacrifice bunt and an infield single by Choi Won-jun, allowed KT to take the lead.

The game effectively turned in the bottom of the third. Koo Chang-mo lost his composure, and NC's defense faltered. KT relentlessly exploited the opening.

With one out, Kim Min-hyuk hit a line drive single to center, and Jang Sung-woo drew a walk. Heo Kyung-min then doubled to left-center, scoring one run. Han Seung-taek's ground ball to shortstop was mishandled by NC's Kim Ju-won, adding another run.

Kwon Dong-jin then singled to right field, bringing in the fifth run. With the bases loaded following an infield single by Choi Won-jun to the second baseman, Kim Sang-su was hit by a pitch to score one run. A wild pitch by Koo Chang-mo added another run, and Kim Hyun-su's ground ball to the first baseman scored yet another. Koo was eventually removed, and Son Ju-hwan entered the game, but Hilliard hit a double to right field to bring in the tenth run.

KT's starting pitcher Sauer gave up a triple to Kim Ju-won in the sixth and a two-run single to Park Si-won. In the sixth, he allowed a hit to Kim Hyung-jun and a two-run home run to Shin Jae-in. He ultimately left the game with one out in the sixth, handing the ball to Sugimoto Kouki.

However, KT comfortably held onto their six-run lead. Sugimoto pitched 1⅔ scoreless innings, and Woo Kyu-min added one scoreless inning. Joo Gwon, who entered in the ninth, allowed one run but prevented any momentum shift, securing the victory for his team.

Sauer, who threw 105 pitches over 5⅓ innings, recorded nine hits allowed (one home run), four walks/strikes, three strikeouts, and four earned runs. With ample run support from his lineup, he earned his third win (two losses) of the season.

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*This content was translated by AI.