'Finally, Magic Number 10': The United KT Approaches the Championship with the Power of 'Belief', Moving from a Top-5 Contender to Champion

*This content was translated by AI.

The countdown has finally begun. KT Wiz has reduced its 2026 KBO League regular season championship magic number to '10'.

On the 22nd, KT defeated Incheon SSG Landers 8-2, maintaining first place with a season record of 79 wins, 4 draws, and 47 losses (winning percentage 0.627). The gap between them and second-place Samsung Lions (77 wins, 3 draws, 52 losses, winning percentage 0.597) is 3.5 games.

If Samsung wins all remaining 12 games, they will finish with 89 wins, 3 draws, and 52 losses, achieving a winning percentage of 0.631. If KT secures 10 more victories in its remaining 14 games, it will reach 89 wins, 4 draws, and 51 losses, with a winning percentage of 0.636, overtaking Samsung to clinch the championship on its own. Of course, every time Samsung loses, KT's championship magic number decreases by one.

In fact, ahead of this season, experts classified LG Twins and Samsung as the 'top two'. Last year's sixth-place team, KT, was expected to at least reach the top five, with many predicting a mid-to-upper tier finish.

Until the end of the first half, it seemed experts' predictions were correct. Samsung and LG occupied first and second place without any gap between them, while KT trailed in third place by 3.5 games. However, a miraculous 'magic' unfolded during the second half, which began amidst heavy rains and scorching heat. Since July 16, KT has recorded an astonishing winning percentage of 0.727 with 32 wins, 3 draws, and 12 losses in 47 games, surging to first place.

KT's top ranking in team batting average (0.282) and second-place ERA (4.21) also reflect its solid strength. However, the greatest driving force leading KT to the top is the 'concentration' to do their best in any situation and the 'belief' that has united the players tightly.

First, KT recorded 38 comeback wins this season, the most among all 10 teams. The second-highest is Samsung with 35 wins. In contrast, KT suffered only 22 comeback losses, the fewest of any team. This result stems from players not giving up even when behind and maintaining focus until the end without becoming complacent while leading.

Furthermore, the coaching staff and players trust each other and play with confidence. Kim Min-hyuk (31), who hit the game-winning comeback hit in the bottom of the seventh inning during the SSG game on the 22nd, said after the match, "Seeing Choi Won-jun receive a bench signal and swing from a 3-ball-0-strike count at my plate made me feel that the team trusts its players." He added, "Regardless of the outcome, I thought we should swing confidently. Even if I fail to hit, there is Ahn Hyun-min and Hilliard behind me. Because of our trust in our teammates, it seems good results are coming out."

Hilliard (32), who hit a bases-loaded home run that day, also said, "Not only the starters but also the reserve players have performed their roles well, allowing the team to operate organically. It is very positive that not just one player but the entire team is showing good form in winning." He continued, "Even when we are down by a large score difference occasionally, there is no sign of being shaken or the team atmosphere deteriorating; instead, players maintain an atmosphere of 'we can do it tomorrow.'"

The final variable is the three remaining games against Samsung. The two teams will play one game in Suwon on October 7, followed by two additional games originally postponed due to rain in Daegu.

KT Manager Lee Kang-cheol (60) showed confidence earlier this month when his team was in second place, trailing Samsung by 0.5 games, stating, "We must maintain this gap until the final regular season showdown with Samsung," while adding, "If we are ahead at that time, Samsung will feel pressure." The current situation is unfolding exactly as the manager hoped. Now, KT is taking steps toward its second championship in franchise history and its first regular season title in five years.

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*This content was translated by AI.