KBO Predictions and Analysis – Thursday, June 17 (2021)

We had seven KBO games in the previous round, but the action won’t stop on Thursday. The teams from the elite South Korean baseball division return for another clash, and I cover all fixtures in this post.

My KBO predictions are based on the latest team news and the recent form of all sides involved, so feel free to follow them if you intend to bet on Korean baseball.

Here’s a full list of the games I cover here.                                                  

KT Wiz Suwon survived an early scare to win the previous game against the NC Dinos, but that was expected considering the starting pitchers.

We should see Odrisamer Despaigne and Drew Rucinski on the field for the next clash, and they have been among the best pitchers in the entire league.

Both have six wins so far, and their stats are similar. And yet, Rucinski had his worst game of the season the last time he faced KT Wiz Suwon, which is enough for me to back the KBO leaders.

You know the drill when it comes to the LG Twins; when the team starts one of its best pitchers, that usually results in a win.

Andrew Suarez is next in the rotation, and he has a 1.95 ER after nine games so far. He should be able to contain the inconsistent offense of the Heroes rather comfortably.

Kiwoom’s starter is not bad either, but he’s nowhere near Suarez in terms of stats, and I expect a win for the Twins. They should be able to core at least a few runs which should be enough considering their stellar defense.

The Hanwha Eagles won twice against the Lotte Giants on Wednesday, which certainly boosted the squad’s confidence.

Kim Ki-Joong is expected to get the nod for Hanwha, and I’ve been impressed with the teenager. He had problems against the flying KT Wiz Suwon and an excellent performance against a formidable opponent like the NC Dinos.

I think he can keep the opposition quiet for 4-5 innings, while I’m not confident that Lotte’s guy can do the same. The team is sending a reliever for this one, and that should open the door to some runs for the Eagles. It might be close, but I prefer them in my KBO predictions for Thursday.

The two teams traded wins on Wednesday, and I’m sure that the SSG Landers won’t be happy with that. The squad will be eager to get another victory in the upcoming round, and I think that’s the most likely scenario.

The Landers are sending the stronger starting pitcher, and they have a more prolific offense. If you add the reliable bullpen, it’s just hard to see how the Tigers can do something in this one.

It also must be mentioned that Kia’s starter got destroyed by the same opponent last time around, so that’s another factor in SSG’s favor.

I picked the Samsung Lions in the previous round, and the team delivered a decent performance. I believe that the Doosan bears will strike back in the next clash, though.

The pitcher has six wins from the same number of games and strong stats. He already led his side to victory over the Lions earlier this campaign and looked fantastic in the process.

The other problem for Samsung is their own starter. Choi Chae-Heung has struggled this season, and that will be a huge problem against a side like the Bears.