KIA Tigers secured their spot in the Korean Series for the first time in 7 years before the full moon of Chuseok. The team lost 0-2 to SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 17th. However, due to the Doosan Bears defeating the Samsung Lions 8-4 at Jamsil Baseball Stadium at the same time, KIA clinched the top spot in the regular season and secured their place in the Korean Series for the first time since winning the unified title in 2017.
KIA, who are currently undefeated in 11 games in the Korean Series, are led by manager Lee Beom-ho, the first manager born in the 1980s in the KBO League, as they aim for their 12th championship. Despite the scorching heat with a temperature over 34 degrees Celsius, KIA struggled to focus and left 14 runners on base, failing to score any runs.
In another game, KT Wiz defeated Kiwoom Heroes 4-2 at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome. With both the 4th-placed Doosan and 5th-placed KT securing victories, they are now on the path to solidify their postseason chances.
Lotte Giants’ Go Seung-min achieved a cycle hit for the second time this season in a game against LG Twins. He hit a single in the 1st inning, a triple in the 3rd, a home run in the 7th, and a double in the 8th, contributing to the team’s victory. The Giants, who were trailing 0-3, managed to turn the game around with Go Seung-min’s solo home run in the 7th inning.
Additionally, Jaime Barria pitched 5 scoreless innings to lead Hanwha Eagles to a 4-1 victory over NC Dinos in Changwon. Veteran catcher Lee Jae-won hit his first home run of the season with a two-run shot in the 5th inning.
Finally, the KBO office decided to delay the start time of the three games scheduled for September 18th, the last day of the Chuseok holiday, to 5 p.m. in order to protect players and spectators from the scorching heat.