Foreign-born starters to duel in KBO postseason elimination game

In the KBO postseason elimination game, a foreign-born pitcher from each team will compete on Tuesday. The Kia Tigers, with a 2-0 lead over the LG Twins, will face Japanese right-hander Keisho Shirakawa. The Twins, Korean Series champions, will rely on Venezuelan right-hander Carlos Carrasco to clinch the victory. Both players are making their KBO postseason debuts.

Carrasco, who won his first game against the Doosan Bears last Wednesday, has struggled against the Tigers in their regular-season matchup, allowing eight runs on 12 hits in 9 1/3 innings. Shirakawa, who went 4-5 with a 4.75 ERA in 18 regular-season games, allowed eight runs on 12 hits, including four home runs, in only 9 1/3 innings during their regular-season meeting.

Austin Dean and Park Dong-won also hit against Shirakawa. If the Twins lose, the third game will be the final one at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, which will be demolished after this season to make way for a new dome. The Tigers have been more successful in high-pressure situations, batting .455/.529/.727 with runners on base, while the Twins are struggling at .250/.308/.250.

Tigers closer Jeon Sang-hyun has been reliable, while Twins closer Youm Kyoung-youb has relied on eight relievers, accumulating 10 2/3 innings in the series.