*This content was translated by AI.
Samsung Lions' foreign hitter Lewin Diaz (30), who has been swinging the bat powerfully, regained his bright smile for the first time in a while. His performance today was supported by a close "bro-mance" and warm advice from "key outfielder" and captain Gu Ja-wook (33).
On the 11th, Samsung defeated Kiwoom Heroes 6-4 in a home game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. After scoring four runs in the first inning alone, Samsung effectively repelled Kiwoom's comeback attempts. With this victory, Samsung washed away the regret of its 0-2 loss to KT Wiz on the previous day, the 9th.
Diaz, who started at both fifth spot and first base today, dominated the game entirely. In the bottom of the first inning, with a 1-0 lead and one out with runners on first and third, Diaz stepped up to the plate and connected perfectly with an opposing pitcher's pitch, launching a towering three-run home run (his 22nd of the season) that soared over the center-left field fence at a distance of 120 meters, immediately seizing control of the game.
Diaz's bat continued to ignite at critical moments throughout the rest of the game. In the bottom of the sixth inning, with Kiwoom closing in at 4-3 and two outs, Diaz hit a solo home run over the fence (his 23rd of the season), instantly restoring momentum for Samsung. Then, in the bottom of the eighth inning, with a 5-3 lead and two outs with a runner on second base, he smashed a one-run double down the center-left field gap, completely crushing Kiwoom's will to chase. Diaz finished the game with three hits in three at-bats, including two home runs, driving in five runs and leading Samsung's offense.
In a post-game interview, Diaz cited "inner peace" as the reason for his bright smile after such a long time. He admitted that he had been under considerable stress due to pressure regarding his performance this season and complex emotions. "I have been praying every day, asking to finish the end of the season strongly," Diaz shared. "Today's game feels like the beginning of that, so I am truly happy."
The reason for Diaz's unusually positive energy today lies in his deep bond with "captain" Gu Ja-wook. Diaz has frequently been spotted constantly communicating with Gu both inside and outside the dugout during recent games. When asked by StarNews what specific conversations they have, Diaz smiled and said, "Gu always speaks to me with words that are warm and incredibly supportive, as if I were family," expressing his special gratitude.
Diaz added, "He advises me not to push myself too hard or try to do more than I can. He says you can't have the same results every year, and you can't hit home runs all the time. Just focus on enjoying the game and making infield ground balls. Don't let uncontrollable results stress you out." He continued, "He also encouraged me by saying, 'We are one team and we always believe in you. Even if you don't hit 50 home runs this season, it doesn't make you a bad hitter.' I was deeply moved by the captain's sincere advice."
It is said that Diaz has completely let go of his desire for titles such as RBI champion. "Actually, I don't care about my personal stats at all," Diaz stated emphatically. "Everyone from the Samsung team owner to every member of the organization desperately wants to win. I am focusing only on doing everything I can so that the team wins and lifts the championship trophy."
With his burden lifted through his teammates' sincere comfort, Diaz is now swinging the hottest bat in Samsung's lineup as the team heads toward autumn.
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*This content was translated by AI.
