"Excluding three consecutive starts" plan changed by the desperate Samsung, thrilling three-game winning streak → "0.5 game behind first place"... 'More praise' commander conveyed gratitude [Daegu]

*This content was translated by AI.

"We usually avoid three consecutive starts," but we had no choice but to change our minds. We secured a win that was so desperately needed, and the commander repeatedly expressed gratitude to the players.

The Samsung Lions, led by manager Park Jin-man (50), defeated Hanwha Eagles 11-6 in their 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 15th.

"The game started with difficulties, but we secured three consecutive wins. Samsung recorded 62 wins, 41 losses, and 2 draws, narrowing the gap to the first-place KT Wiz by 0.5 games after today's loss."

Starting pitcher Yang Chang-seop struggled immediately at the beginning of the game, allowing one run before a painful incident occurred. He was ejected for a headshot after throwing a pitch toward Noh Si-hwan's head.

Lee Seung-hyun, who entered as a relief pitcher to save Samsung, ended the inning with a double play in a bases-loaded, one-out situation and then pitched perfectly through the sixth inning. In 5⅔ innings, he threw only 74 pitches, allowing two hits, zero walks, striking out seven batters, and conceding just one run.

Four pitchers were scheduled for three consecutive starts that day. Before the game, Manager Park said, "There are several pitchers who would be making their third consecutive start. We intended to exclude them," but added, "However, if a pitcher has thrown few pitches, they might still be used even in a three-start rotation. We'll have to check tomorrow's weather, but since rain is forecasted, we plan to use all available bullpen resources today."

The ideal scenario would have been for Yang Chang-seop to pitch long innings and minimize bullpen usage, but an unexpected worst-case situation unfolded. Therefore, there was no way not to express deep gratitude to Lee Seung-hyun for his brilliant pitching through the sixth inning.

After the game, Manager Park praised, "Left-handed pitcher Lee Seung-hyun, who unexpectedly entered the game, took responsibility for long innings and delivered top-tier pitching. Since some bullpen pitchers did not appear today, Lee Seung-hyun's extended time on the mound was a huge help."

The lineup and bullpen also shone brightly. Although the score gap widened with Choi Hyung-woo's three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth, Hanwha's offense rallied after Lee Seung-hyun left the mound, scoring four runs to take the lead. However, Samsung quickly turned the game around again. In the bottom of the seventh, consecutive RBI hits by Park Seung-gyu, Koo Ja-wook, and Lewin Diaz reversed the momentum. In the eighth inning, Koo's two-run RBI double extended the lead by three runs, securing a comfortable victory.

In the bullpen, Bae Chan-seung entered with two outs in the seventh inning and pitched perfectly through the eighth, while Lee Seung-min closed out the game as the final pitcher.

Manager Park said, "Bae Chan-seung, who entered at a crucial moment, held the line well, and Lee Seung-min, who had to make three consecutive starts despite the difficulty, also did an excellent job. I'm grateful." He added, "The lineup showed impressive activity from the core hitters, including home runs by Koo Ja-wook and Choi Hyung-woo. Park Seung-gyu's clutch performance at the plate was particularly outstanding in this game."

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*This content was translated by AI.