DAEGU: Kim Hun-gon’s unexpected start in the Samsung Lions lineup for their Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason game against the LG Twins paid off significantly on Tuesday night. The right-handed batter, replacing left-handed Yoon Jeong-bin, hit two crucial two-run homers at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, contributing to the Lions’ 10-5 victory. This win provided the Lions a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five series.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Hun-gon, who was not the starting player in the series opener, stepped in for Yoon Jeong-bin in the No. 2 spot due to strategic matchups against LG Twins’ left-hander Son Ju-young. Despite Yoon’s strong performance in Game 1, Lions’ manager Park Jin-man opted for Kim against the lefty starter. Kim’s inclusion proved decisive as he recorded his first postseason home runs, driving in four runs altogether.
Kim’s first home run occurred in the fifth inning off right-handed reliever You Young-chan, extending the Lions’ lead from 3-1 to 5-1. He later added another
two-run shot in the seventh inning against left-handed pitcher Kim Yu-yeong, solidifying the Lions’ commanding lead. These homers marked Kim’s first in KBO postseason play, and his performance earned chants from the fans, further boosting his confidence.
The game also saw a pivotal moment when Koo Ja-wook, the Lions’ starting left fielder, sustained a knee injury, which has ruled him out for at least two games. This incident means both Kim and Yoon will likely continue as starters in the outfield positions for the upcoming games.
The series will now shift to Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, known for being less favorable to hitters compared to Daegu Samsung Lions Park, which led the league in home runs during the regular season. Despite the change in venue, Kim remains focused on maintaining his approach and contributing to his team’s success, regardless of the stadium’s characteristics.
This postseason has not only highlighted Kim’s pivotal role in the lineup but also showcased a strong start by Lions pi
tcher Won Tae-in, who overcame initial rustiness to secure his first postseason win, limiting the Twins to just one run over nearly seven innings. The pitcher credited his recent success to wearing a jersey of MLB star Shohei Ohtani, which he considers his lucky charm.