This game looks different when I focus on the starters' latest work instead of their season averages. Owen White was knocked out early against NC and then gave up six runs to Samsung. Kim Geon-woo held LG to two runs over five innings in his latest start. SSG needed only two relief innings after Pedro Avila worked seven in its most recent game.
White allowed seven runs in one inning against NC and six in five against Samsung. Kim struck out nine against LG. SSG broke open its latest NC game with five straight hits in the fifth inning, then added runs as walks and defensive mistakes followed.
Hanwha's 13-run answer to Kiwoom owed eight runs to the eighth inning, after its own bullpen let a lead slip. That surge came against Kiwoom's relief corps. The contrast between the starters' recent outings and the way each club built its latest big score is why this matchup catches my eye.
