The second Korean Series game turns on a changed starting matchup and the first relief handoff after both lineups created runs in the opener. KT’s early scoring came through several hitters, while Samsung built a late rally by cashing inherited runners. Buriram and Kashima meet around a different pressure point: Buriram can defend deep, yet their last continental opponent repeatedly reached the box. Kashima have several recent receivers who can turn that access into finished chances.
Chris Pedek gives Samsung a different opening from the short start KT attacked in Game 1. He recently held KT scoreless across six innings and rebounded with one run allowed in his latest playoff outing. Ko Young-pyo has controlled Samsung well, especially Diaz and Ryu, but Kim Ji-chan and Koo Ja-wook have found hits against him, and Samsung’s top order has already linked runners to its middle hitters.
KT’s Kim Hyun-soo homered in Game 1 before leaving with thumb pain, and Kim Min-hyuk had a hip cramp; both played, and neither is confirmed out. Samsung catcher Kang Min-ho also played through a side issue, while closer Kim Jae-yoon was left off the Series roster. Pedek can keep the opening close, bringing the game toward another test of KT’s first relief bridge, which Samsung reached for seven late runs in the opener. That’s why I’m siding with Samsung Lions.
Kashima’s Bueno and Suzuki have been feeding runners behind compact defences, while Élber, Čavrić and Koike have supplied current finishes. Buriram’s block allowed Gamba nineteen shots from inside the box and relied on Etheridge saves and missed chances for its draw. Buriram’s Dougall-to-Mancha restart sequence and a direct ball toward Bissoli give them genuine ways forward, but their Gamba attacks produced only two shots on target.
Kashima’s Anzai had already missed the latest match after his July injury, and Kim Tae-hyeon missed the two most recent recorded lineups following his October fracture. Buriram begin a new coach’s first match with no confirmed absence, so the earlier defensive shape is a guide rather than an announced plan. Kashima should work the wide runners and second balls until a box receiver gets a clean finish, then make Buriram build more than a single direct reply. That’s why I’m siding with Kashima Antlers.
