Manager Park Jin-man's impressions after watching the Junior Playoffs: "Kim Do-young showed superstar-like form → We have also prepared well and possess the ability to respond"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

As the KIA Tigers advanced to the Playoffs (PO) with an unstoppable three-game winning streak in the Junior Playoffs (Junior PO), Samsung Lions Manager Park Jin-man (50), who awaits them on the PO stage, displayed both wariness and strong confidence. He also specifically mentioned KIA's key infielder Kim Do-young (23).

KIA crushed the LG Twins 13-1 in the third game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Junior PO held on the 20th at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul. After sweeping the first and second games of the Junior PO held earlier in Gwangju, KIA secured their advancement to the PO with an undefeated record.

This has set up a fall showdown between Samsung, which finished second in the regular season, and KIA, which placed third. In this season's regular-season matchups, KIA held a slight edge over Samsung with a 9-7 record.

Upon confirming their Playoff opponent, Samsung Manager Park Jin-man praised the opposing team's key hitter through the club, stating, "I felt that KIA has a well-prepared depth of players overall. In particular, it seems Kim Do-young has clearly shown superstar-like form in the Postseason following the regular season."

Indeed, Kim Do-young started all three games in this Junior PO, performing brilliantly with a .333 batting average (three hits in nine at-bats), three home runs, and eight RBIs. Although the sample size is small, his OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) reached 1.060. His batting average with runners in scoring position was also strong at .377.

Even amid wariness, there was no wavering in the Lion Army's readiness. Manager Park Jin-man stated decisively, "We have prepared just as well and fully possess the ability to respond," adding, "We just need to work hard and win."

Samsung is focusing on adjusting their game feel and making final selections. Finally, Manager Park added, "The roster will be finalized after we internally check the players' conditions through a scrimmage on the 22nd," and noted, "I believe the players will be able to enjoy the fall festival of the Postseason without burden, as we have prepared."

Game 1 of the Playoffs, a best-of-five series that serves as the fall showdown between Samsung and KIA, begins on the 25th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original