"There seems to be tightness in the neck..." The Samsung Lions have recently fallen into a swamp of eight consecutive losses.

They are plummeting with a record of 1 win and 9 losses in May. Their performance in May is the worst in the league, worse than Kiwoom (2 wins and 8 losses). Samsung won against Doosan Bears on the 2nd, but they recorded losses against Doosan on the 3rd and 4th, resulting in a losing streak.

From the 5th to the 7th, they were swept by Hanwha Eagles in a three-game series on the road in Daejeon, and from the 10th to the 11th, they suffered a clean sweep loss in a three-game series against LG Twins, including a doubleheader, plunging them into a swamp of eight consecutive losses. Samsung's record stands at 19 wins, 1 tie, and 21 losses, causing their win rate to drop below .500, and they have slipped to 5th place.

Samsung, who had an advantage at their hitter-friendly home stadium, Samsung Lions Park, has suffered five consecutive home losses. Although the lineup managed to hit home runs, the pitching has collapsed even more. Samsung's team batting average in May is .218, the second worst after KIA (.201). Samsung's team earned run average for May is 5.34, only better than the worst, Kiwoom (ERA 7.36).

Samsung will hold a three-game series against KT Wiz at Pohang Stadium on the 13th. KT has also recently suffered five consecutive losses and is now ranked 6th (18 wins, 3 ties, 20 losses), trailing Samsung by a narrow margin of 1 in win percentage. This is a must-win match to break the losing streak.

Samsung has announced left-handed pitcher Lee Seung-hyun as their starter. KT's starter is Heiseus. However, according to Samsung's recent starting rotation, Won Tae-in was scheduled to pitch. Samsung's rotation includes Choi Won-tae, Won Tae-in, Lee Seung-hyun, Hura-do, and Reyes.

Won Tae-in started against Hanwha on the 6th, pitching 6 innings with 3 earned runs on 97 pitches. Lee Seung-hyun started against Hanwha on the 7th, pitching 3 innings with 4 earned runs on 65 pitches. Lee Seung-hyun is starting after a 5-day rest. If Won Tae-in pitches on the 14th, he will have had 7 days of rest.

A Samsung official noted, "Won Tae-in has slight tightness in his neck. He will probably rest for one more day and pitch on the 14th."

Won Tae-in, who shared the title of joint victories last year, has recorded 3 wins and 1 loss with an earned run average of 2.57 in 7 games this year. He is the most stable pitcher in Samsung's starting rotation. Last year, he recorded 2 wins and no losses with an earned run average of 2.59 in 4 games against KT. There have been no matchups yet this season.

Lee Seung-hyun has struggled this season with no wins and 5 losses, and an earned run average of 7.36 over 6 games. He faced KT on April 11, pitching 5⅔ innings with 3 earned runs, resulting in a loss. Last year, he faced KT once, pitching 5 innings with 6 earned runs in that game.

Heiseus, wearing a KT uniform this year, has recorded 2 wins and 2 losses with an earned run average of 1.95 in 7 games. He has performed well, allowing 3 earned runs or fewer in every game. Last year, while playing for Kiwoom, he faced Samsung in 3 games, recording 1 win and 2 losses with an earned run average of 4.96. This season marks his first matchup against Samsung.

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