DAEGU: Samsung Lions showcased impressive form with a 10-4 victory over the LG Twins in the first game of the second round of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. The game marked a strong start for the Lions in the best-of-five series, deeply contrasting the concerns their manager, Park Jin-man, had about potential rustiness due to a long break since their last regular-season game on September 28.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Park Jin-man expressed his initial worries in a pre-game interview but was pleasantly surprised by his team’s performance. “I guess I was the only one that was worried about rust,” he stated during the postgame press conference. The Lions’ lineup proved formidable, securing 14 hits including three home runs, demonstrating readiness and vigor despite the hiatus.
Key players such as Koo Ja-wook, Lewin Diaz, and Kim Young-woong were pivotal, with each hitting home runs. Denyi Reyes, the starting pitcher, also played a crucial role, lasting 6 2
/3 innings while allowing just one earned run. The performance of several young players in their postseason debuts was particularly satisfying for Park, who highlighted their lack of intimidation and solid execution under pressure.
On the opposing side, LG Twins’ manager Youm Kyoung-youb acknowledged the Lions’ superior play, particularly criticizing his starting pitcher, Choi Won-tae, for surrendering two homers and seven hits in just three innings. Despite the loss, Youm remains optimistic about the upcoming games, citing past recoveries in this year’s postseason and aiming for a split in the next game in Daegu to maintain their championship hopes.
The statistical advantage historically favors teams winning the first game in KBO’s best-of-five second round series. However, with the Twins’ resilience in overcoming initial setbacks in past series, the upcoming games promise to be fiercely competitive as both teams vie for a spot in the championship round.