DAEGU: Samsung Lions third baseman Kim Young-woong’s aggressive approach at the plate has been instrumental in his team’s resurgence in the Korean Series. Kim’s home run in Game 3 against the Kia Tigers was pivotal in the Lions’ 4-2 victory, marking their first win in the best-of-seven Korea Baseball Organization championship series.
According to Yonhap News Agency, all three of Kim’s career postseason home runs have come at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, where he feels most comfortable. Kim attributed his performance to familiarity with the home field, stating, “I feel like I can see the ball better here than other places.” The young slugger had struggled in the first two games, held at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, where he managed just one hit in nine at-bats and struck out six times.
Despite his early difficulties, Kim dismissed nerves as a factor, saying, “I don’t think I was nervous… I think I might have been grabbing the bat a little too tight.” After the crucial win on Friday, Kim and his teammates emph
asized the importance of maintaining an aggressive stance, especially against Tigers’ pitcher James Naile, who had dominated them in Game 1. “We said we have to go up there swinging,” Kim remarked, highlighting the team’s renewed confidence for their second encounter with Naile.
Kim’s confidence was evident not only at the plate but also in the field. He made a critical play to secure the final out in Game 3, managing a tricky grounder with the bases loaded. Recalling the moment, Kim said, “I wanted to make sure I would keep anything hit down the line in front of me… I got my glove down, and luckily, the ball ended up there.”
The Lions hope to build on their momentum and continue their aggressive strategy as the series progresses.