KT Aims to Soar Past Eagles and Take the Lead
As the rain that had been falling on Suwon subsides, the likelihood of the game between KT Wiz and Hanwha Eagles proceeding as scheduled has increased.
On the 1st, KT is scheduled to play a home game against Hanwha at KT Wiz Park in Suwon during the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season. Heavy rain fell in the stadium area until the afternoon, but conditions began to stabilize around 4 p.m. Groundskeeping staff removed water collected on the tarpaulin and began ground maintenance around 4:45 p.m. after rolling back the tarp.
KT currently stands in second place, 0.5 games behind league-leading Samsung Lions after playing 112 games. A three-game series with Samsung scheduled from the 28th to 30th of last month in Daegu was cancelled on the 28th and 30th due to rain. Four games remain between the two teams.
KT manager Lee Kang-chul said, "We would prefer to play now. While having more games remaining could be advantageous, it might be better to play sooner since the schedule could become complicated later."
The possibility of So Hyung-jun's return to the mound has grown. So Hyung-jun, who skipped one scheduled start due to discomfort in his right latissimus dorsi, recently informed the team that his physical condition has recovered.
Manager Lee said, "Hyung-jun gave us a clear assessment of his condition. He says he's fine now."
So Hyung-jun has started 17 games this season with a record of 6 wins and 3 losses, an ERA of 3.36, and a WHIP of 1.31. In July, he had strong performances in 5 games with 3 wins and an ERA of 1.78.
KT is reviewing a schedule for So Hyung-jun to make three starts before he is called up to the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games national team on the 14th. However, with recent rain cancellations occurring frequently, the actual number of starts and the schedule may differ.
Manager Lee joked, "We're planning three starts before his call-up date. It would be great if he could win all three before he goes."
During the Asian Games, KT plans to operate its starting rotation with Logan Allen, Davis Daniel, Go Young-pyo, and Bae Je-sung. With the remaining schedule arranged at a maximum of five games per week, a four-pitcher rotation is considered feasible.
Manager Lee explained, "Looking at the league schedule during the tournament, it seems we could arrange a starting pitching plan with four pitchers. We just need to carefully consider the pitching order for Bae Je-sung, who hasn't pitched twice a week this season."
Sam Hilliard has returned to the lineup. Hilliard, who was on paternity leave following the birth of his second child, will start as the cleanup hitter and center fielder. Hilliard visited the stadium on the 30th and 31st of last month to work on his batting and strength training.
KT's starting lineup consists of Choi Won-jun (right fielder)-Kim Hyun-soo (first base)-Ahn Hyun-min (designated hitter)-Hilliard (center field)-Kim Sang-soo (second base)-Huh Kyung-min (third base)-Jang Jin-hyuk (left fielder)-Han Seung-taek (catcher)-Jang Jun-won (shortstop). Davis Daniel is the starting pitcher.
KT continues its battle for the lead with Samsung while preparing for So Hyung-jun's return schedule and managing the starting rotation during the Asian Games period.
Manager Lee said, "If we hold our ground well and Samsung does too, I think there will be something interesting to see at the end of the season."
전시언 기자 yourside@news-s.kr