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KBO Picks & Odds (September 17): Rucinski Eyes His 15th Win

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in News

Updated Mar 9, 2021 · 1:34 PM PST

An NC Dinos hitter swinging the bat
Photo by 노무진, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.
  • NC’s Drew Rucinski looks to become the KBO’s first 15-game winner
  • Kiwoom is 9-2 vs Hanwha this season
  • Find odds and best bets for the KBO’s five-game slate on September 17th in the article below

A new set of KBO series begin Thursday at 5:30 am EST, and both first place NC and second place Kiwoom are staring at very favorable matchups. The Dinos visit the SK Wyverns, who occupy second last place, while the Heroes host the last place Hanwha Eagles.

 KBO Odds: Thursday, September 17th

Team Moneyline Runline Over/Under Run Total Game Time (Eastern)
KIA Tigers -155 -1.5 (-105) Over 10.5 (-120) 5:30 a.m.
Samsung Lions +125 +1.5 (-125) Under 10.5 (-110)
Team Moneyline Runline Over/Under Run Total Game Time (Eastern)
Doosan Bears +100 +1.5 (-175) Over 10.5 (-115) 5:30 a.m.
KT Wiz Suwon -130 -1.5 (+145) Under 10.5 (-115)
Team Moneyline Runline Over/Under Run Total Game Time (Eastern)
Hanwha Eagles +245 +1.5 (+125) Over 8.5 (-125) 5:30 a.m.
Kiwoom Heroes -305 -1.5 (-155) Under 8.5 (-105)
Team Moneyline Runline Over/Under Run Total Game Time (Eastern)
NC Dinos -185 -1.5 (-125) Over 9.5 (-115) 5:30 a.m.
SK Wyverns +155 +1.5 (-105) Under 9.5 (-115)
Team Moneyline Runline Over/Under Run Total Game Time (Eastern)
Lotte Giants +155 +1.5 (-125) Over 9.5 (-115) 5:30 a.m.
LG Twins -185 -1.5 (+105) Under 9.5 (-115)

Odds as of Sept. 16th.

NC opened up as a -185 road favorite over SK, despite the Wyverns being red-hot. SK has won six straight, but will have to deal with the Dinos Drew Rucinski, who’s looking to become the KBO’s first 15-game winner.

Temper the Offensive Expectations

The right-hander is the league’s only 14-game winner, and ranks second in quality starts, and fifth in ERA and strikeouts. Last time out, he dominated KT Wiz allowing just one run and six hits in 6.2 innings, while striking out 8.

He’s allowed one run or less in eight of his past 13 starts, and has been incredible against SK this season.

Rucinski vs SK This Season

Date IP R H K
August 29th 7.0 2 2 5
June 4th 6.0 0 5 8
May 17th 6.0 2 8 2

He’s 3-0 versus the Wyverns with a 1.89 ERA. NC as a team is 9-2 against SK in 2020, but have not fared particularly well against Thursday’s starter Seung Won Moon.

The 30-year-old has limited the Dinos to two runs or less in all three of his starts versus them, striking out 21 along the way. Last time out he stymied the Eagles, allowing just one run while striking out 9 in a Wyverns victory. Moon has been especially strong at home, surrendering two runs or less in seven of nine outings.

Pick: Under 9.5 (-115)

Kiwoom Desperate For a Win

The Heroes enter play versus the Eagles in need of a victory. They sit just a game back of first place, but are winless in their last three. Fortunately for them, there’s no better opponent to face when you’re struggling than the Eagles. Hanwha was smashed 11-5 by LG on Wednesday, failing to cover an absurd +4.5 runline (no that’s not a typo).

The 11-5 final score is actually flattering, considering the Eagles were down by 10 after just four innings. They’ve lost five of six and only two pitchers have more losses on their resume than Thursday’s starter Shi Hwan Jang.

The 32-year-old is 3-11 in 2020, and a combined 9-24 over his last two seasons. He’s given up at least four runs in three of his past four starts and hasn’t won since July 31st.

Kiwoom will counter with Jake Brigham, who was excellent in his last start versus Hanwha holding them to one run over 6 innings. He’s allowed two runs or less in five of his past seven outings, including last week against LG.

Of course it’s easy to pick on the Eagles, but this is a game the Heroes desperately need. Expect them to rough up Hanwha.

Pick: Kiwoom Heroes -1.5 (-155)

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