DAEGU: Maybe baseball gods did help the Samsung Lions after all. Their Dominican ace, Denyi Reyes, originally scheduled to pitch in Game 3 of the Korean Series against the Kia Tigers, benefitted from weather-related delays that afforded him an extra day of rest. Reyes capitalized on this opportunity, leading the Lions to a 4-2 win, bringing the series to 2-1 as they prepare for Game 4.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Reyes was initially set to pitch on Thursday on just four days’ rest after throwing a season-high 110 pitches the previous Saturday. However, rain delays pushed Game 3 to Friday, allowing Reyes additional recovery time. The extra day appeared to aid his performance as he contained the Tigers to one run on five hits over seven innings, with seven strikeouts and only one walk.
Reyes faced a potential threat in the second inning but managed to escape unscathed thanks to a 3-6-3 double play initiated by first baseman Lewin Diaz. By the fifth inning, Reyes continued to shine, receiving crucial supp
ort from left fielder Kim Hun-gon, who made a game-saving diving catch to maintain the Lions’ 1-0 lead. Kim Young-woong then extended the lead with a solo home run.
Despite a brief setback in the sixth inning when the Tigers scored their first run, Reyes preserved the Lions’ advantage by striking out Na Sung-bum. Reyes concluded his night by retiring the side in the seventh inning, ending with a 0.87 ERA in 20 2/3 postseason innings.
The Lions’ offense showcased their power in the seventh inning with back-to-back home runs by Kim Hun-gon and Park Byung-ho, extending their lead to 4-1. The home runs marked the Lions’ return to form as the best home run-hitting team from the regular season and highlighted the hitter-friendly conditions of Daegu Samsung Lions Park.
Park’s home run was particularly significant, tying him with retired Lions legend Lee Seung-yuop at the top of the all-time postseason home run list. The Lions have demonstrated their offensive prowess at home, hitting 12 home runs in just three po
stseason games at their stadium this year, reinforcing their reputation in one of the league’s most favorable hitting environments.