Lotte Looks to Break Their Playoff Jinx

BUSAN, South Korea -- The Lotte Giants' second half slump dropped them from a bye in the opening round of the Korean Baseball Organization playoffs to a first round matchup with Doosan, with the Bears having home field advantage. The best-of-five series gets underway tonight at 6 p.m. in Seoul at Jamsil Stadium. Daegu-based and defending champs Samsung Lions have clinched their second straight bye to the Korean series, while second place SK awaits the winner of the Lotte-Doosan series.

The Giants have had two long losing streaks of late, a seven-game and five-game skid that saw them drop from second to fourth place. The Giants have faced Doosan twice in the playoffs in recent years, in 2009 and 2010, both which were won by Doosan. The Bears also hold the season advantage with 10 wins, eight losses and a tie. Lotte ended the season with a 65-62-6 record.

Song Seung-joon (7-11) will pitch the opening game versus Dustin Nippert (11-10). Games 1 and 2 will be played today and tomorrow before the series moves to Busan on Thursday. Game 4 will also be played in Busan if necessary on Friday, and Game 5 will move back to Jamsil next Sunday, also if necessary. Games start at 6 p.m., except Game 5 which will start at 2 p.m. if needed.

Series at a Glance

Game 1 Monday, October 8 - Jamsil 6:00 p.m.

Game 2 Tuesday, October 9 - Jamsil 6:00 p.m.

Game 3 Thursday, October 11 - Sajik 6:00 p.m.

Game 4 Friday, October 12 - Sajik 6:00 p.m. (If necessary)

Game 5 Sunday, October 14 - Jamsil 2:00 p.m. (If necessary)

Series Rosters

Rosters courtesy of MyKbo.net

< BIFF Movie Review: Salt < Read More > KBL - Sonic Boom Showing Great Form in Exhibition Play >