Dinos are hot and Wyverns are on the rise

There are now about 10 games left in the KBO League regular season, but fans will probably have to wait to the last game to find out who will end up in fifth place to take the wildcard and even first place.

Defending champion Samsung Lions have been in the top position for three months, but as of Sunday they are being chased by NC Dinos.

The Dinos did not lose a game last week. For the last 10 games, they are 8-2, and are looking to take their first championship.

In what could be the preview of the Korean Series, the Lions host the Dinos in Daegu on Tuesday. For this season, the Lions are 10-5 against the Dinos, but this could be a tough matchup. The Dinos last week had a team batting average of .411.

After facing the Lions, the Dinos host Hanwha Eagles, Kia Tigers, LG Twins and Lotte Giants. The Twins are the only team to beat the Dinos in head-to-head games this season with nine wins, one draw and four losses.

The fifth place race is still on. SK Wyverns were No. 8 in the beginning of last week, but they rose up to No. 5 after marking 5-1 last week. However, the Incheon-based club have a tough schedule. They face No.3 Nexen Heroes on Wednesday and Thursday in away games before meeting the Lions.

The No. 6 Lotte Giants are chasing closely. They have a three-game series against No. 4 Doosan Bears at home from Tuesday, and will have a two-day rest before facing the rival Dinos on Sunday.

As teams make up games missed during the season, they will need to focus on their physical conditioning.

JOO KYUNG-DON [joo.kyungdon@joongang.co.kr]