Kia Tigers win Game 2 as Jeon Sang-hyun earns second straight save

The Kia Tigers beat the LG Twins 6-3 in Game 2 of their Korea Baseball Organization postseason first-round series in Gwangju on Sunday, Oct. 18, moving within one win of taking the best-of-five series, according to Yonhap News Agency. Closer Jeon Sang-hyun recorded the final four outs for his second straight save, prompting manager Lee Bum-ho to praise his work while acknowledging his heavy workload.

Jeon also got the final four outs in Kia’s 5-1 win on Saturday. He has pitched 2 2/3 innings across the first two games, more than any other Tigers reliever in the series, Yonhap reported. Earlier in October, he worked two innings on three occasions, collecting two relief wins and a save in those outings.

Five-run first inning puts Kia in control

Kia scored five runs in the first inning at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field. LG starter Im Chan-kyu retired one batter and allowed six hits, including five in succession, before being replaced. Lee said his hitters expected Im to throw strikes and took an aggressive approach from the start.

LG finished with nine hits to Kia’s eight but could not turn several scoring chances into runs. In the eighth inning, Jeon struck out Lee Jae-won with two runners aboard. Six LG relievers held Kia to one run on two hits after Im’s exit. Twins manager Youm Kyoung-youb said his bullpen had done its job, but the lineup had failed to score when it needed to.

Series moves to Seoul on Tuesday

The teams have Monday off before the series moves to the Twins’ home in Seoul on Tuesday. Another rest day is scheduled before a fifth game if one is needed. Jeon told Yonhap he felt able to pitch in every remaining game if necessary, adding that more runs from Kia’s offense could give him less demanding appearances.