5/12 - KBO Pick - KT Wiz vs. NC Dinos Total

5/12/2020 Play KT Wiz at NC Dinos O/U: 8.5

The NC Dinos are on fire - they are leading the league in HRs, Runs Scored, OBP, Slugging Percentage, you name it. They’ve got a strong walk-to-strikeout ratio, showing discipline and patience in their at bats. Two of their best hitters: Yang Eui-ji, their charismatic, boss catcher and one of the best hitters in the league, and Min Woo Park haven’t even hit their full stride yet. They have not faced strong competition just yet; however, the up and coming KT Wiz have fallen short of expectations so far this season. Starting pitcher Drew Rucinski started off the season with a bang with 6 strikeouts and a shutout of the Lions in 6 innings. But, these are the same Lions that average .299 BA and the 2nd least # of runs per game, so I don’t weigh that very heavily. The Wiz have been hitting the ball well - #2 in batting average, #4 in slugging percentage, and #3 in runs per game (6.6), but they’ve left way too many men on base (worst in league). 20 year old Baek Ho Kang has been off to a slow start and I can see him add a boost to this squad after the young man shakes off some of his nerves. The Wiz allow the most runs per game (7.8) in this small sample size. In their defense, they’ve played their two series against the defending champions Doosan Bears and the undefeated Lotte Giants. However, their pitchers have had a combined 7.19 ERA allow 7.67 runs per game. Cuban pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne had a stellar KBO debut for the Wiz before their bullpen wet the bed. The Dinos will continue to put pressure on the Wiz. The Wiz are 5-0 O/U and the Dinos are 3-2 O/U. The rumors of the re-juiced balls have heavily favored the overs (17-10 overall – 62%!). It seems the “sharps” like the Under and it is heavily juiced to the Under. I understand these are two strong pitchers and that the bullpen has an extra day of rest, but I am going with my gut instinct with these two offenses and taking the OVER. Pick: Over 8.5

Documented Plays: KBO Season-to-date Record: 1-0