KT's edge in this series looks more durable than the shutout score alone suggests. Bae Je-seong has handled this lineup recently, while Na Gyun-an has struggled in his recent starts against KT. The previous game also left KT's bullpen untouched as Lotte had to cover six innings after an early exit.
Bae held Lotte to three hits over six scoreless innings in their September meeting. Na allowed five runs in each of his two recent starts against KT. This is a fresh pitching matchup, so the previous shutout is useful mainly for what it says about how the teams used their arms.
KT also made its own scoring chances in that game. Choi Won-joon hit three doubles, and the lineup scored four runs before Lotte turned fully to relief pitching. That mix of a familiar starter matchup, active bats and fresher late-inning options is why I like this spot.
