Two very different games, both decided by who holds up where the game is being played. In Daegu the playoff series is level in pressure but not in pitching history, and in Seoul one side's defence has been leaking for weeks. Both matches reward the team that is better in its own building.
Samsung vs KIA, Game 2 of the KBO playoff. KIA won the opener and arrives in strong form with a deep bullpen. But Samsung had the better regular season by run difference, and the starters tell a Daegu story: Hurado held KIA to three runs over seven innings earlier this year, while Oller has an ugly record against Samsung, including a one-inning, eight-run outing in this very park. Ku Ja-wook is reported back in the lineup, and a team facing a 0-2 hole at home has every reason to push. Hurado's layoff and last rough start are the question, but I'm siding with Samsung at home.
Seoul Knights vs KCC Egis. KCC has conceded close to 92 a game over eight official games, has won only two, and has lost its last three on the road. The Knights have won three straight at home, leaning on steals and third-quarter runs. KCC's imports can score 97 or more on a good night and the Knights' sample is only four games, but the defensive gap and the home court point one way. That's why I'm siding with the Seoul Knights to win.
