'Return of the Autumn Hero!' Samsung's Kim Young-woong explodes with 4 hits, including a home run, in final scrimmage ahead of playoffs → Koo Ja-wook also shows he is still in form with multi-hit performance

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Samsung Lions infielder Kim Young-woong (23) swung a powerful bat with 4 hits in the final scrimmage held ahead of the playoffs.

On the 22nd, Samsung played its second scrimmage at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in preparation for the 2026 KBO Playoffs (PO). Following the first game on the 19th, this live practice was held three days later amid fan support and interest, with the White team securing a 5-3 victory over the Blue team.

Most notably, the sharp hitting sense of 'Autumn Man' Kim Young-woong drew attention. Starting as the sixth hitter and third baseman for the White team, Kim Young-woong performed brilliantly with 4 hits in 5 at-bats (1 home run), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored. After drawing a lead-off solo home run to center field in the bottom of the second inning by attacking starter Choi Won-tae's fastballs, he consecutively delivered a hit to center field, a hit to right-center, and a hit to left field, sending balls to all areas of the ground. He has thus completed a perfect warm-up toward the autumn stage, shaking off the disappointments of the regular season, having been the star who hit back-to-back three-run home runs in Game 4 of last season's playoffs.

Kim Heon-gon's performance also stood out for the White team. Starting as the leadoff hitter and left fielder, Kim Heon-gon contributed with 2 hits in 3 at-bats, 2 RBIs, 2 walks, and 1 run scored, including a two-run home run in the bottom of the second inning. Kim Heon-gon also showed stability in defense while maintaining his upward hitting momentum, adding strength to outfield operations for the postseason. Above all, he is expected to take on the heavy responsibility of filling the position of Koo Ja-wook, whose defensive workload is not easy to handle.

In the Blue team's lineup, the performances of the top-of-the-order hitters and middle-of-the-order batters were prominent. Kim Ji-chan in the leadoff spot and Kim Seong-yoon in second place both recorded 3 hits in 5 at-bats, with Kim Seong-yoon adding one double. Star hitter Koo Ja-wook, who played as designated hitter, completed a multi-hit performance with 2 hits in 4 at-bats, including a line-drive hit along the right field fence. In addition, Park Seung-gyu blasted 3 hits in 5 at-bats and 1 RBI, including a solo home run, while Choi Hyeong-woo adjusted his hitting sense with 1 hit in 5 at-bats.

On the mound, the starting pitchers for both teams conducted final checks on their command. According to information provided by the Samsung organization, White team starter Won Tae-in recorded 72 pitches over 3 innings, marking a maximum speed of 145.7 km/h. Blue team starter Choi Won-tae also handled 72 pitches over 3.1 innings, hitting a top speed of 144.5 km/h. Relief pitchers who took the mound afterward also confirmed their live-game feel and completed their checks.

Having completed its final live rehearsal amid fan cheers, Samsung will fine-tune its condition for two days before officially entering the stage of the 2026 Playoffs (best-of-five series) against KIA Tigers starting on the 25th.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original