KIA's 'Sensational' Ace Leads Off the Lineup! "I'll Cut Back on My Words; I've Been Putting On a Show That Isn't Really Bragging..." A Serious Resolve [Playoff 1 Game Site]

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Park Jae-hyun (20), KIA Tigers' elite leadoff hitter, expressed his resolve ahead of the first game of the semi-playoffs (best-of-five series) against the LG Twins. Park, who joined KIA last season and delivered a 'sensational' performance this year, is stepping onto the postseason stage for the first time.

KIA will face LG in the first game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Semi-Playoffs at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field at 2 p.m. on the 17th.

KIA secured a spot in the semi-playoffs by finishing third in this year's regular season. After taking a four-day break following their final regular-season game against LG on the 12th, they are set to play their first fall baseball game of the year against LG.

Facing them, LG finished fourth in the regular season and advanced to the semi-playoffs by sweeping the Doosan Bears in the Wild Card Decider. LG clinched a spot in the semi-playoffs with a 4-1 victory over Doosan in the first game of the Wild Card Decider held at Jamsil Stadium on the 14th. Although they had to play in the Wild Card series, they have only played one game and have taken two days off since then.

Park Jae-hyun, who will lead off the lineup today, met with reporters before the game and opened by sharing his thoughts ahead of the first semi-playoff game: "First of all, I am preparing exactly as usual. Also, once the game starts and I step into the batter's box, I think the feeling will be different."

Regarding his impressions after watching the LG-Doosan Wild Card Decider, he said, "LG has not been performing well against us recently, so they seem likely to come out with extra focus. We are also preparing as much as possible and plan to do our best in the game accordingly."

He continued, "(I have) completely forgotten about the regular season. I rested thoroughly with the feeling that it is a fresh start. I approached today's practice with that mindset," adding, "I will not just say 'I will work hard' in words. Even if I cut back on my words, I think this time I must show clearly through actions so that it resonates more deeply with both the fans and the coaching staff and players." He firmly reaffirmed his resolve.

What does cutting back on words mean? Park Jae-hyun laughed and said, "I usually talk a lot, and I often put on a show of bragging that isn't really bragging," explaining, "It means that instead of such words, it would be better to clearly show through actions on the field."

What advice did he seek from senior teammates? Park Jae-hyun said, "Senior (Na) Sung-bum didn't say much; he just told me that 'the atmosphere will be very different from the regular-season baseball you have played so far.' Since no one is putting pressure on me, I am trying to approach it as comfortably as possible." Regarding Kim Do-young's advice, he smiled again and said, "I didn't ask Senior (Kim) Do-young. If I had asked, I might have..."

He added, "I don't know about good dreams, but I woke up extremely early this morning. I never do that, but I deliberately slept without closing the curtains for fear of oversleeping. I got right up around 7 a.m."

Finally, he vowed to perform well, stating, "It is really great to start the first game at home. Many more of our fans come to the home stadium, and the cheering atmosphere is much hotter. Hearing that support makes me feel less nervous and rather more at ease. It certainly feels like there was a payoff for securing third place. There is a big difference between fourth and third in terms of physical condition and schedule, so I am thinking very positively about starting at home."

Meanwhile, KIA set its starting batting order as follows: Park Jae-hyun (left fielder), Kim Sun-bin (designated hitter), Kim Do-young (third baseman), Castro (first baseman), Na Sung-bum (right fielder), Kim Gyu-seong (second baseman), Kim Ho-ryeong (center fielder), Kim Tae-goon (catcher), and Ha Ju-seok (shortstop). James Neal will be the starting pitcher.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original