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KBO Picks & Odds (May 26): Lotte’s Straily Will Silence Struggling Samsung

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in News

Updated Mar 18, 2021 · 12:55 PM PDT

Doosan Bears stadium in Seoul
The Doosan Bears stadium in Seoul. Photo by Johnny Silvercloud (flickr)
  •  Dan Straily and the Lotte Giants have an enticing matchup versus the Samsung Lions
  •  Doosan Bears games have produced a double-digit total 82% of the time this season
  • Find odds and best bets for the KBO’s five-game slate on May 26th in the article below

The KBO season rolls on with five new series opening up Tuesday, May 26, at 5:30 AM ET. After taking two of three from the Kiwoom Heroes, the second-place Lotte Giants host the struggling Samsung Lions, with their ace Dan Straily on the mound.

KBO Odds: Tuesday, May 26

Team Moneyline Runline Over/Under Run Total Game Time (Eastern)
LG Twins -210 -1.5 (-135) Over 8.5 (-130) 5:30 a.m.
Hanwha Eagles +170 +1.5 (+105) Under 8.5 (+110)
Team Moneyline Runline Over/Under Run Total Game Time (Eastern)
SK Wyverns +195 +1.5 (+120) Over 9.5 (-120) 5:30 a.m.
Doosan Bears -245 -1.5 (-150) Under 9.5 (-110)
Team Moneyline Runline Over/Under Run Total Game Time (Eastern)
Samsung Lions +142 +1.5 (-135) Over 9.0 (-115) 5:30 a.m.
Lotte Giants -172 -1.5 (+105) Under 9.0 (-115)
Team Moneyline Runline Over/Under Run Total Game Time (Eastern)
Kiwoom Heroes +155 +1.5 (-115) Over 9.5 (-115) 5:30 a.m.
NC Dinos -185 -1.5 (-115) Under 9.5 (-115)
Team Moneyline Runline Over/Under Run Total Game Time (Eastern)
KIA Tigers -110 +1.5 (-160) Over 10.0 (-105) 5:30 a.m.
KT Wiz Suwon -120 -1.5 (+130) Under 10.0 (-125)

Odds taken May 25th

A Giant Mismatch

Straily didn’t have his A+ stuff last time out versus Kia, but in his previous three starts, he was superb. The former MLB-er allowed just four runs total during that stretch, while fanning 19 and leading the Giants to a pair of victories. His resume is one of the most impressive in the KBO, with 44 MLB victories and 681 big league strikeouts under his belt. This Samsung offense shouldn’t pose much of a threat.

The Lions have lost seven of their last nine and have scored three or fewer runs in 39% of their contests this season. Their lineup has produced the second-worst batting average in the league, and they’re the only team with just one player in the top-18 in average, slugging, OBP and RBI.

Pick: Giants -1.5 (+105)

Doosan Games Dominate Over

Anytime a Doosan Bears game is listed with a total below 10, it should be an auto bet. In total, 82% of their outings have produced a double-digit total in 2020 and they’re the perfect blend of terrific offense and horrendous pitching.

Just look at their series from this past weekend versus Samsung. Doosan scored 12 and 10 runs respectively in the first two games, and then inexplicably gave up 13 runs in the finale. It was the fifth time this season they’ve surrendered at least 10 runs in a game, while their offense has hit double figures five times as well.

Tuesday’s opponent happens to be the light hitting SK Wyverns, but if this past weekend is any indication, the Bears will surrender plenty of runs to even the weakest offenses in the league.

Also working in favor of the over is the Wyverns starting pitcher. Jong Hoon Park has a 4.20 ERA and hasn’t exceeded five innings in any start this season. Another short outing will put loads of pressure on a Wyverns’ bullpen that the Doosan bats should feast on.

Pick: Over 9.5 (-120)

NC has been Dino-mite

The NC Dinos continue to distance themselves from the rest of the pack atop the KBO standings. They picked up their fourth straight series win over the weekend and now welcome the Kiwoom Heroes to town. The Dinos will send Chang Mo Koo to the hill, who has been virtually unhittable all year.

YouTube video

He’s allowed just a single run in 22 innings, while striking out 25 batters. His 0.41 ERA and 0.55 WHIP lead the league and the Heroes have dropped seven of their past 11.

Pick: NC Dinos -1.5 (-115)

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