With the MLB - and most U.S. sports - facing uncertainty following more police brutality and ensuing protests, KBO action may be a focal point for baseball betting this weekend. There are plenty of great games to wager on, including two powerhouses, the NC Dinos and Doosan Bears, doing battle.
We bring you picks for that game, and more, as we break down the KBO odds and bring you our best Korean baseball predictions for Friday, August 28.
For more information on Korean baseball check out our KBO Betting Guide, and if you want to know who the favorite is to win this season's Korean Series, click here for the latest KBO title odds.
KBO Betting Odds
Here are the KBO odds for Friday, August 28.
| Away Team | Odds | Home Team | Odds | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KT Wiz | +128 | LG Twins | -150 | 9.0 |
| Kiwoom Heroes | -107 | Lotte Giants | -109 | 11.0 |
| Samsung Lions | -111 | Hanwha Eagles | -105 | 9.0 |
| Doosan Bears | -133 | NC Dinos | +114 | 12.0 |
| Kia Tigers | -141 | SK Wyverns | +120 | 10.0 |
KBO Picks
ESPN Game of the Day: KT Wiz (48-41-1) vs LG Twins (53-40-1)
Probable Starters: Hyeong-jun So (8-5, 4.46 ERA) vs Tyler Wilson (8-6, 3.82 ERA)
The LG Twins are hoping yesterday’s 2-0 series-opening win over the KT Wiz marks the end of their mini-slump. The victory was the Twins' second in a row but was preceded by dropping four of five, including getting swept by the last-place Hanwha Eagles.
So, now the Twins go for three in a row as they hand the ball to ace Tyler Wilson for Friday’s game. The crazy part about this game for Wilson is that he’ll be making his first start at home since June 25.
And to be honest, Wilson has done pretty well in that stretch, pitching to a 3.19 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. That includes limiting the Wiz to one run on three hits back on July 21.
The Wiz counter with Hyeong-jun So, and the 18-year-old is absolutely dealing right now. Hyeong-jun has allowed just two earned runs on 15 hits over his last four starts. Game 1 was a tight contest and there’s no reason to think Game 2 won’t feature more of the same, at least early on.
PREDICTION: Under 5.0 First Five Innings (-110)
Doosan Bears (51-40-2) vs NC Dinos (54-33-2)
Probable Starters: Hui-kwan Yu (7-7, 4.95 ERA) vs Jin-ho Kim (0-0, 4.91 ERA)
Ugh. Yesterday’s 8-2 NC Dinos win over the Doosan Bears was super frustrating to watch for Over bettors (that means me). Nine of the 10 runs were scored in the first four innings of the game. And with the two bullpens the Bears and Dinos posses, the Over 12.5 looked like a lock.
Then, they only managed to plate one more run for the rest of the game. One. Again, ugh. This despite the fact there were a total of 26 hits in the game. Yup, 26 hits, and only 10 runs and the Bears left runners in scoring position in each of the last four innings, including stranding the bases loaded in the top of the ninth.
That is unlikely to happen two nights in a row. Particularly with this starting pitcher matchup, as the Bears’ Hui-kwan Yu toes the rubber against the Dinos’ Jin-ho Kim.
Hui-kwan has been roughed up most of the season, pitching to a 4.95 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP and while the veteran lefty only allowed two runs in his lone start against the Dinos, he got lucky giving up 10 hits.
While Jin-ho is making just his third start of the season. The 22-year-old right-hander has a 4.91 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in his first two starts and has struggled with his control surrendering seven walks in just 7 1-3 innings.
Even with the disappointing result yesterday, these teams have combined to score 12.6 runs per game over 13 meetings. And with us getting a little unlucky yesterday, we’re hopping back on the Over.
PREDICTION: Over 12 (-116)
Samsung Lions (42-50-1) vs Hanwha Eagles (26-65-1)
Probable Starters: Tae-in Won (6-5, 4.08 ERA) vs Min-woo Kim (3-8, 4.27 ERA)
The Samsung Lions’ seemingly never-ending skid continued Thursday as they dropped the opener of their series against the last-place Hanwha Eagles, getting smacked 7-0. The loss means the Lions have just eight wins in their last 29 games (8-20-1), and shockingly enough, the Eagles are playing decent baseball right now.
The Eagles have won four of their last six ball games and hand the ball to Min-woo Kim, who has been as solid as anyone for the Eagles this season and has allowed two earned runs or fewer in seven of his last 10 starts. While Min-woo walks a few too many batters, he is allowing opponents to hit just .233 off him this season. And he limited the Lions to one run on three hits in his lone start against them this season.
Meanwhile, Tae-in Won will be on the mound for the Lions, and while he is one of their better starters, he is in a slump right now pitching to a 6.75 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP over his last five starts and has a 7.00 ERA against Hanwha this year.
With the Lions also struggling at the plate (3.69 runs per game over that 29-game stretch), the Eagles have good value as a home dog in this one.
PREDICTION: Hanwha Eagles +121
KBO Betting Record: 143-116-6, +15.05 units
KBO Betting Card for Friday, August 28
- Under 5.0 First Five Innings (-110)
- Over 12 (-116)
- Hanwha Eagles (+121)
Where can I bet on Korean baseball odds?
While not every online and casino sportsbook will carry odds for the KBO League, many do, even with the MLB finally back in action. Check out the best sportsbooks available where you live and see what KBO odds they have available.
