July 2, 18:30 KBO Kiwoom vs LG Game Announcement
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◈Kiwoom
Ariel Jurado (8 wins, 4 losses, 3.39 ERA) is challenging for a 5-game winning streak. In his home game against NC on the 26th, Jurado secured a win with a stellar performance of 7 scoreless innings and has continued his streak of 7 scoreless innings in his last two games. Although he struggled in an away game against LG this year with 5 innings allowing 4 runs, he pitched well at home with 6 innings allowing just 1 run, raising expectations for this game. Kiwoom's batting lineup, which completely dismantled KIA's pitchers and scored 17 points including 2 home runs on Friday, is maintaining an explosive hitting streak. They are particularly powerful against right-handed pitchers. Fortunately, the bullpen got a bit of a breather thanks to the rain.
◈LG
Casey Kelly (4 wins, 7 losses, 4.66 ERA) is aiming for his 5th win of the season. Kelly secured a complete game shutout with only 1 hit in his home game against Samsung on the 25th, showcasing arguably the best pitching of his career including perfect pitching until the 8th inning. Against Kiwoom, he's had starkly different results with 6 innings allowing 2 runs at home and 5 innings allowing 3 runs away, making it critical to overcome his weaknesses in away games. LG's batting lineup, which scored 9 points including Austin Dean's clinching 3-run home run by exploiting NC's bullpen after being stalled by Lee Jae-hak in Sunday's game, needs to continue their revived hitting form. In any case, this team needs Hong Chang-ki and Austin to lead effectively. However, the bullpen allowing 5 runs in an 8-point lead situation, with Jin-sung Kim's performance particularly deteriorating, is a major concern.
◈Comment
Jurado and Kelly can be considered the effective aces of their teams. However, while Jurado has an absolute edge in home games, Kelly often disappoints in away games. Expecting Kelly to have two consecutive stellar performances as he did in the first half seems a bit too much. Kiwoom, with a stronger starting pitcher, is closer to victory.
◈Recommended Betting
[[Win/Loss]]: Kiwoom Win
[[Handicap]]: +2.5 Kiwoom Win
[[U/O]]: Under 9.5