A team that was not considered a title contender in preseason projections is now running away in sole first place, edging out LG Twins and Samsung Lions.
The professional baseball team KT Wiz defeated the KIA Tigers 8-3 in the third game of the season on the 23rd at Suwon KT Wiz Park in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League.
KT swept the three-game series against KIA and raced to sole possession of first place. The season record is 16 wins and 6 losses. From March 31 to April 2, following the Daejeon series against the Hanwha Eagles, they achieved their second series sweep of the season. Meanwhile, KIA, which had an eight-game winning streak followed by a five-game losing streak, fell to 10 wins and 12 losses.
Starter So Hyeong-jun struggled, pitching 5 innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 walks, recording 5 strikeouts and 3 runs (2 earned) on 96 pitches, but with the help of the offense he earned his third win of the season (undefeated). He was followed solidly by Jeon Yong-ju (1 inning, no runs) — Sugimoto Koki (1 inning, no runs) — Han Seung-hyeok (1 inning, no runs) — Woo Kyu-min (1 inning, no runs).
In the offense, Kim Hyun-soo had 2 hits in 4 at-bats with 1 RBI and 1 run, and Sam Hilliard had 2 hits in 3 at-bats with 3 runs and 1 walk to lead the attack. Kim Sang-su had a three-RBI game.
KT manager Lee Kang-cheol praised the mound after the game, saying, "So Hyeong-jun struggled early to get through the innings, but after giving up 3 runs he pitched well like he usually does and fulfilled his role. Jeon Yong-ju, Sugimoto, Han Seung-hyeok and Woo Kyu-min also finished cleanly."
He added, "The offense showed concentration with the chances. After two outs, Oh Yun-seok, Kim Sang-su and Jang Joon-won combined for a five-run big inning that shifted the momentum. After that, the hitters each added one run apiece, which allowed us to win."
Lee Kang-cheol concluded, "The players worked hard, and I thank the many fans who came and cheered for us throughout the three home games," greeting on behalf of the team.
Winning pitcher So Hyeong-jun said, "I gave up two runs in the first inning, but the offense immediately put up five runs, which gave me the strength to regain my composure on the mound. I regret that I couldn't pitch through the sixth inning because my pitch count was high in several innings, and I feel sorry for the bullpen," adding, "Still, I'm glad I could help the team's winning streak even if only a little. I'll prepare well so I can show a more improved performance in my next start than today."
KT will play a three-game weekend series against the SSG Landers in Incheon starting on the 24th. The first day is expected to feature a starting pitching matchup between Caleb Boshill (KT) and Kim Gun-woo (SSG). <
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