*This content was translated by AI.
Samsung Lions have reinstated Kim Ji-chan and Kang Min-ho in their starting lineup. Riding the explosive momentum of their offense that erupted the previous day (the 26th), Samsung is targeting a four-game winning streak.
Samsung will face Kiwoom Heroes in the final game of a three-game midweek road series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 28th. With their recent steep upward trajectory, Samsung is set to hunt for victories by leveraging a harmonious balance between pitching and hitting.
As Samsung embarks on its bid for four consecutive wins, it has bolstered the weight of both offense and defense in today's starting lineup. Facing Kiwoom starter Ha Young-min, Samsung will field a batting order featuring Kim Ji-chan (center fielder), Kim Sung-yoon (right fielder), Koo Ja-wook (left fielder), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Lewin Diaz (first baseman), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman), Kim Young-woong (third baseman), Lee Jae-hyun (shortstop), and Kang Min-ho (catcher).
The return of the table-setter and the veteran catcher at home plate is key. 'Commanding Officer' Kim Ji-chan returns as the leadoff hitter and center fielder, taking on the role of the offensive spearhead, while reliable veteran catcher Kang Min-ho reclaims his spot in the ninth position in the lineup, reinforcing battery chemistry and adding weight to the lower-order hitters. The core and bottom of the lineup, including Choi Hyung-woo and Kim Young-woong who powered a fierce home run barrage, along with Kim Sung-yoon, Koo Ja-wook, Diaz, Ryu Ji-hyuk, and Lee Jae-hyun, remain unchanged in their positions.
On the mound, native ace Won Tae-in will start as the pitcher. Won Tae-in has recorded 6 wins and 6 losses with a 4.40 ERA in 19 games this season. In his last appearance against NC, he pitched seven innings allowing six hits, one walk, one hit-by-pitch, two strikeouts, and three earned runs, delivering a Quality Start Plus (QS+) performance yet still suffered a loss. However, against Kiwoom this season, he has posted an impressive 2-1 record with a 1.35 ERA over three games (20 innings), drawing high expectations.
The offensive firepower is also at its peak. In the the 26th game, Samsung's lineup unleashed 12 hits in total, including two grand slams. Notably, Choi Hyung-woo (his 16th of the season) and Kim Young-woong (his third of the season) hit back-to-back grand slams, setting a historic record. This marks only the 21st time in KBO League history that one team has recorded two grand slams in a single game. Additionally, Choi Hyung-woo set a new all-time record as the oldest player to hit a grand slam at the age of 42 years, eight months, and 10 days.
It remains to be seen whether Samsung can continue its winning streak, bolstered by 'Kiwoom's bane' Won Tae-in's starting appearance, the returns of Kim Ji-chan and Kang Min-ho, and the scorching power of their offense.
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*This content was translated by AI.
