KBO Picks & Odds (September 15): Samsung and KT Wiz Exceed Their Low Total

•   Samsung’s David Buchanan has allowed at least eight hits in three of his past four starts
•   Doosan’s Raul Alcantara aims to join the 13-win club
• Find odds and best bets for the KBO’s five-game slate on September 15th in the article below

A new week of KBO action begins Tuesday at 5:30 am EST, as the Samsung Lions visit the KT Wiz Suwon. Each team enters play fresh off back-to-back wins, and both will trot out their respective aces for this matchup.

 KBO Odds: Tuesday, September 15th

Odds as of Sept. 14th.

KT Wiz opened as a -156 favorite in a game that features a total of 8.5. If that over/under seems low, then we’re on the same page.

Offense Will Prevail

Samsung’s David Buchanan is one of only four KBO pitchers with 12 wins under his belt, but he isn’t immune to rocky outings. The right-hander has surrendered at least eight hits in three of his past four starts, and was roughed up by last place Hanwha six days ago. Buchanan allowed 11 baserunners and gave up two home runs to the Eagles, and has now surrendered four homers in his past four outings.

That spells trouble against a Suwon team that digs the long ball. KT Wiz ranks second in the league in homers and is fuelled by home run king Mel Rojas Jr.

KBO update: Mel Rojas Jr. hit a go-ahead 2-run homer (37th of the year) to bring the KT Wiz into 4th place. They are now firmly in playoff contention.

cc: @CespedesBBQ @MyKBO pic.twitter.com/JWC4OopiuX

— Justin Choi 🇰🇷 (@justinochoi) September 9, 2020

Rojas Jr. has been fantastic against Samsung this season, belting 5 home runs and driving in 10 in 10 games. The Suwon have owned this matchup going 8-2 so far, with two of those wins belonging to Tuesday’s starter Odrisamer Despaigne.

The 33-year-old has been excellent in his last two outings, but like Buchanan is susceptible to blow-ups. He’s allowed at least four runs in eight of his past 19 starts, including last month against the Lions. In fact, he’s allowed four runs in two of three outings against Samsung and 22 hits total in 18.2 innings.

Pick: Over 8.5 (-126)

Alcantara Dominates Dinos

Few starters can say they’ve had success against first place NC this season, but Raul Alcantara is on the list. The right-hander is 1-0, with a 2.53 ERA versus the Dinos in two starts, allowing just five runs in 14.1 innings.

Raúl Alcántara held KT scoreless in 6 IP, inducing 13 whiffs, 9 of which came on his 4-seam fastball and away from hitters. Here's a really good look at his 4-seam out of his hand #KBO #KBOleague pic.twitter.com/rFGXD0BpdO

— Ben Howell (he/him) (@benhowell71) September 8, 2020

Alcantara has been flawless in his last two outings, posting shutouts over KT Wiz and Hanwha. He’s struck out 14 batters along the way, and has lost just once since Opening Day.

NC meanwhile, is fresh off back-to-back losses, and was outscored 15-6 by KIA over the weekend. They’ll send Mike Wright to the mound, who’ll be looking to rebound from a tough outing versus Lotte. The 30-year-old gave up four runs in 6 innings, and has walked more batters (6) than he’s struck out (5) over his last two starts.

Mike Wright, Insta-K Strut 💯 pic.twitter.com/qZ1I6wHGbS

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 25, 2020

Wright had two fantastic performances against the Bears at the start of the year, but struggled the last time they met. He surrendered nine hits and four runs over 6 innings in a 12-10 Doosan victory.

Pick: Doosan Bears moneyline (-148)