KIA Tigers fight for third place in KBO regular season

The KIA Tigers are entering a critical final week of the KBO regular season as they fight to secure third place and a direct ticket to the semi-playoffs. Following a 5-1 victory over the LG Twins, KIA has narrowed the gap with third-place LG to just two games.

Pitcher James Naile played a decisive role in the recent win, pitching six scoreless innings and setting a personal career record for innings pitched in a single season. His performance, combined with a solo home run from Na Seong-bum, helped KIA maintain momentum during a period of unpredictable weather in Gwangju.

The team also expects a significant boost from the return of Kim Do-young, Park Jae-hyun, and Seong Young-tak, who recently returned from winning gold at the 2026 Asian Games. Kim Do-young, in particular, remains a focal point for the team's offense as he looks to regain his hitting rhythm following his international success.