DAEGU: Demonstrating no signs of rust after a lengthy break, the Samsung Lions roared to a commanding 10-4 victory over the LG Twins in the first game of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason’s second round. The Lions’ lineup showcased their power, hitting three home runs, which set the tone for the series at Daegu Samsung Lions Park.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Lions had not played since September 28 due to their second-place finish, which earned them a bye to the second round. This rest seemed to benefit them significantly as Koo Ja-wook, Kim Young-woong, and Lewin Diaz each delivered home runs to drive the Lions’ offense in a decisive opening win against the third-ranked Twins.
Koo Ja-wook was particularly outstanding, hitting a three-run home run that helped build a substantial lead early in the game. Kim Young-woong and Diaz followed suit with solo and two-run homers, respectively, contributing to a total of ten runs for the team by the end of the game. The Lions’ offensive display
was a comprehensive team effort, with each member of the starting lineup recording at least one hit.
The game also highlighted a strong pitching performance by Lions’ starter Denyi Reyes, who managed to keep the Twins’ batters at bay for most of the game. Reyes, filling in for the injured Connor Seabold, pitched through the seventh inning, allowing just one run on a solo home run and yielding only four hits.
Koo Ja-wook’s performance was particularly noteworthy given that he had been feeling unwell during the game. He was unable to attend the postgame press conference due to a hospital visit for symptoms of nausea and vomiting, as confirmed by a Lions official. Despite this, Koo’s three-hit game earned him the Player of the Game honors.
The victory sets a positive tone for the Lions as they continue their campaign in the best-of-five series. The team’s strategy to maintain sharpness during their break by engaging in scrimmages and practice games appears to have paid off, allowing them to execute well both
offensively and defensively.
The Samsung Lions will look to carry this momentum into the next game of the series, hoping to capitalize on their home-field advantage and take a commanding lead before the series shifts locations. The performance of their starters, particularly in the absence of Seabold, will be crucial as they navigate through the postseason.