The first five-place match in history sold out as soon as the tickets opened

Oct 01, 2024

Sportschosun DB

The postseason hasn't even started yet, but it's a huge heat. All baseball fans are paying attention to the first-ever fifth-place match in history.

KT Wiz and SSG Landers will play a single round match of the 5th place at KT Wiz Park in Suwon from 5 p.m. on the 1st. This is the first time in KBO league history that a fifth-place match will be held. The two teams couldn't decide the outcome in 144 regular-season games. 72 wins, two draws and 70 losses in 144 games. The wins, losses, and draws are the same, and the two teams are tied with 8 wins and 8 losses this season. According to the ranking system, the fifth-place match was held, and the two teams' opponents were tied, so the game was held at KT's home stadium according to the principle of multiple points.

Since this is a ranking match that has nothing to do with the regular season, all records are treated separately. In addition, if the game goes into extra time within 9 innings, unlike the regular season (maximum 12 innings), the victory or defeat will be decided with an inning and no time limit. Video reading opportunities are twice per club based on the regular innings, and if the referee's decision is reversed twice due to video reading in the regular innings, the club will be given one additional opportunity. In addition, one opportunity will be added per team for extra time only.

Of course, the fans' interest is great. Ticket reservations for the fifth-place match opened through the reservation site at 11 p.m. on September 30, shortly after the last match of SSG. However, as soon as it opened, a huge crowd of fans flocked. Even though I clicked the reservation button on time, there were more than 5,000 people in waiting order.

A significant number of fans were in vain as tickets were sold out even before they could check their seats properly. As of the morning of October 1, when the game was held, the remaining seats were seats, and only a few seats were left for wheelchair passengers, but even those seats were sold out soon. A packed audience is certain.

This day is a temporary holiday on the Armed Forces Day on October 1, so many spectators are bound to flock, but even if it is not a public holiday, it is a part of the fans' tremendous interest and enthusiasm for the current ranking competition. The full-fledged postseason schedule has not even begun yet, but it seems that they can even look at the sold-out of the entire game.

The KBO League KT Wiz and Lotte Giants match held at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 24th. KT Um Sang-baek is catching his breath. Suwon = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.09.24/

A game between the LG Twins and SSG Landers at Jamsil Stadium on the 21st. SSG Elias is catching his breath. Jamsil = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.08.21/

KT and SSG have to play a game without tomorrow. Of course, the winning team should prepare for the wild card match against the Doosan Bears on October 2, tomorrow, but the final success or failure will depend on whether or not they can ride the last postseason train in the final fifth place. It is undeniable.

KT predicted Um Sang-baek as the starting pitcher for the fifth place game. In 29 games this season, he recorded 13 wins and 10 losses with a 4.88 ERA, and against SSG, he pitched in three games with a 1-2 record with a 4.67 ERA.

For SSG, Roenis Elias will come out. Elias posted a 7-7 record with a 4.08 ERA in 22 games and a 3.07 ERA in two games against KT.

youll@sportschosun.com