KIA Tigers Face Samsung Lions in Highly Anticipated 2024 KBO Korean Series

The KIA Tigers and the Samsung Lions are set to clash in the 2024 Korean Series, marking a significant event in Korean professional baseball. The series, which is a best-of-seven matchup, began on October 21 at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field. This is the first time in 31 years that KIA and Samsung have met in the Korean Series, with their last encounter being in 1993. Historically, KIA has dominated these matchups, having won all three previous series against Samsung in 1986, 1987, and 1993.

KIA, led by head coach Lee Bum-ho, is looking to continue its undefeated streak in the Korean Series, having advanced to the championship 11 times and winning each of those series. This year marks their 12th attempt to secure the title and their first since winning in 2017. The team has fielded its strongest lineup, including key players such as Kim Do-young, Choi Hyung-woo, and Na Sung-bum, who form a formidable clean-up trio.

The starting pitcher for KIA in the first game is James Nail, a foreign right-hander who has recently returned from injury. Samsung, under the leadership of head coach Park Jin-man, will counter with their ace pitcher Won Tae-in. Won Tae-in had an outstanding season with 15 wins, 6 losses, and a 3.66 ERA in 28 games, and he has shown strong performance against KIA this year with a 2.25 ERA in their previous matchups.

In addition to the on-field excitement, the series will also feature a special appearance by BTS‘s J-Hope, who is scheduled to throw the first pitch for the second game of the series on October 22 at KIA Champions Field.