The KT Wiz, who will play the LG Twins in Game 3 of the KBO Korean Series (KS) at Katie Wiz Park in Suwon on Tuesday, made a major change to their starting lineup.
The goal is to move Jeong Byeong-dae (28), who was mainly deployed in the bottom of the batting order in this year’s fall baseball, forward to the number one spot.
In five playoff games with the NC Dinos, he batted .375 with two home runs and eight RBIs, and in two games of the Korean Series, he batted .500 with two RBIs and two walks, showing the team’s best feel for the game.
Speaking to reporters before the game, Bae said, “I think I need to get a lot of runs. I think coach (Lee Kang-chul) decided that because I have a high batting average in the LG League,” he said, adding, “I’ll try to score runs when I get the chance.”
In the regular season this year, Choi hit .429 with one home run and eight RBIs in the LG League.
He was also strong against LG starter Im Chan-kyu, going 2-for-4 with a double, a walk and two RBIs.
“I’m going to trust the guys who are hitting well (at the back of the order) and focus on getting on base and scoring runs,” Choi assured.
After winning the first game 3-2, KT took a 4-0 lead in the second game before failing to score another run and falling 4-5.
A tired bullpen was the deciding factor.
“I’m sorry that the hitters didn’t score more runs,” said Choi, “but I don’t have any thoughts about the pitchers giving up runs. Of course, we played seven games in the postseason, so it was time to get hit once.”
Now, KT players will have to win the battle of stamina.
Having played five playoff games, they are at a disadvantage compared to LG.
“I’m definitely tired, but I think our catcher, Jang Jang-woo, is the most tired. He has to constantly think about how to deal with batters, so his head must be tired.”
KT will need its No. 4 hitter Park Byung-ho, who has been silent in eight at-bats in the Korean Series, to wake up for an easy win.
“If you look at his routine and the way he prepares for the game, he’s a player who can’t do anything wrong. It’s just that the results aren’t coming right now,” he said. “The best hitters on the team have only three or four more hits than Byung-ho (in the Korean Series). I don’t want you to be fooled by the numbers.” 파워볼사이트