(KBO) Hanwha Eagles vs KIA Tigers - Predictions, Odds & Live Stream

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• Hanwha Eagles continue to try and climb out of the KBO basement in this series against KIA Tigers.
• Both teams lost the last two games of their weekend series.
• This will be the second series this season between these two clubs.

KBO TV and Live Streaming Info

Game Odds – Hanwha Eagles vs KIA Tigers

This matchup between the fifth and tenth ranked teams in the KBO could lead to some surprising moves in the KBO table. A positive series for Hanwha Eagles could push them out of last place. On the other side, KIA Tigers could bring themselves as close as half a game within fourth place in the KBO.

KIA Tigers own home field advantage in this matchup against Hanwha Eagles.

A win for Hanwha Eagles could bring them within one game of jumping up to ninth place.

A win for KIA Tigers would close the gap between them and fourth place to 1.5 games.

Hanwha Eagles Team Notes

Likely Pitchers: MOON Dong Wook, YUN Dae Kyung, KIM Beom Su

Hanwha Eagles enter this matchup with a 1-2-0 record agianst KIA Tigers so far this season. They kept it close in their first two matches against KIA this season, and were able to take a consolation win in their third outing. They’ve played KIA better than they have most teams this season, so there is certainly promise on their end.

The Eagles are tied for worst in the league at bat, sporting a .240 hitting average over the course of 48 games. Despite their negative recent run of form, Hanwha is averaging 4.33 runs per game in that span while allowing 6.33. Their two run differential against KT Wiz is certainly something to build on.

Of Hanwha Eagles’ available batters, manager CHOI Won Ho can only call on two players that hit above .300 on the season. Despite that overall inconsistency, players like LEE Yong Kyu, CHOI Jae Hoon, and JUNG Eun Won have combined to contribute 45 RBI’s this season.

The Eagles’ bullpen is even less inspiring than their hitters. Hanwha rank last in the KBO, posting a 5.83 ERA on the year. They’ve allowed a league high 59 home runs on the season, as well as a league high 194 walks.

Warwick Saupold has been their most consistent pitcher on the season, allowing a 3.50 ERA in just over 64 innings pitched. His regular starts for Hanwha have kept them afloat, but it will be up to the Eagles’ relievers and closers to keep them in the match.

KIA Tigers Team Notes

Likely Pitchers: Aaron Broks, IM Gi Yeong, Andrew Gagnon

KIA Tigers hope to climb their way up the rankings with a positive series against the bottom-feeding Hanwha Eagles. They have a winning record against them so far this season, and will hope to use this matchup to put them in position to reach the top four.

KIA’s batters are more than passable in the league, posting a .271 batting average on the season. They are also ranked fifth in the KBO in total home runs and third overall in total runs. They are certainly cautious at home plate, tied for third-least strikeouts (296) in the league.

Tucker Preston has been one of their most capable players at bat so far this season. Sixth on his team in batting average (.324), Preston has been able to keep relevance with his 11 home runs and 40 RBI’s this year – good enough for fifth in the KBO.

At the mound is where KIA Tigers truly shine. They are ranked second in the KBO with a 4.16 ERA over the course of 45 games played. They don’t have the most impressive W-L in the league, but they are by far the most methodical bullpen, allowing the least home runs (29) and the second least walks this year.

JEON Sang Hyun and PARK Jun Pyo have been two of KIA’s and the leagues most consistent pitchers this season. In a combined 42 games and 44 innings pitched, the two are averaging an incredible 1.13 and 1.31 ERA. Their starters are nothing to scoff at either, with Aaron Brooks and IM Gi Yeong throwing well under a 3.00 ERA in over 100 innings combined.

Our Pick

WSN’s Pick: KIA Tigers def. Hanwha Eagles

Hanwha Eagles played KIA Tigers well in their last series, but little suggests that they’ll be able to overcome their previous issues. KIA have too much depth in their bullpen to let the match slip away. Unless Hanwha can muster together an above-average hitting night, KIA outclass their opponents all over the field.