"We also have a big game; Daegu has a big game too." Coach Lee Kang-cheol's calculations are getting busier... Will this time be different when they meet KIA again after six days? [Suwon]

*This content was translated by AI.

The calculator of KT Wiz, the first-place team, managed by 60-year-old Lee Kang-cheol, is working overtime. While the second-place Samsung Lions and third-place LG Twins face off in Daegu at the same time, Manager Lee expressed his determination to win against KIA Tigers, whom they are meeting again after six days.

Ahead of the home game against KIA Tigers scheduled for the 12th at Suwon KT Wiz Park as part of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season, Manager Lee said, "Today's game in Daegu is also a big game, and ours is too. If we win and other results go our way, it could lead to a favorable scenario."

As of pre-game, KT holds first place with 73 wins, 3 draws, and 46 losses, leading Samsung (74 wins, 3 draws, 47 losses) in winning percentage without any games behind. While KT lacks an ace-level pitcher, its strength lies in a solid rotation extending to five starters. The manager's calculation is that securing direct qualification for the Korean Series would be advantageous given this strength. Manager Lee emphasized, "From our perspective, finishing first offers better odds. It's still far off. Even today is challenging, and every day over the next month is crucial."

On this day, KT lined up with Choi Won-jun (center fielder), Kim Min-hyuk (designated hitter), Ahn Hyun-min (right fielder), Sam Hillerys (left fielder), Kim Hyun-soo (first baseman), Heo Kyung-min (third baseman), Ryu Hyeon-in (second baseman), Han Seung-taek (catcher), and Kwon Dong-jin (shortstop). The starting pitcher was Daniel Davis.

This is also a rematch for Davis. Davis joined KT in August as a replacement for Caleb Boshley, recording 1 win and 2 losses with a 2.88 ERA over five games, pitching 25 innings and striking out 25 batters. Since joining, he has consistently taken responsibility for at least five innings per game, firmly establishing himself in the rotation. However, his first major challenge came against KIA. In the Gwangju KIA game on the 6th, Davis allowed three earned runs over three innings and was pulled early, taking the loss for the second time this season.

Coincidentally, the opponent they face again after six days is the same. KIA's starting pitcher is James Neal. In his third year in the KBO, Neal has recorded 10 wins and 6 losses over 26 games with a 3.66 ERA, pitching 152⅔ innings and striking out 126 batters. In his previous game against Gwangju KT, he pitched six innings allowing two earned runs, securing a double-digit win.

The manager anticipates that the season-ending battles will grow increasingly fierce. Recently, even when scorelines widen, teams continue to deploy their best relievers until the end. In yesterday's (11th) game, Lotte Giants, trailing 1-3 in the sixth inning, brought in Kim Won-jung, Park Jeong-min, and Choi Jun-yong all at once in an attempt to turn the tide.

Manager Lee stated, "In the past, when a large score gap opened up in the later innings, teams would sometimes stop using their closers and end the game. But now, other teams also feel they have nothing to lose, so they keep sending out their best pitchers until the end. I think most teams will do this during the final two weeks or so. We too must adopt the mindset of playing every game through to the very end."

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*This content was translated by AI.