“KIA’s lineup hasn’t cooled down”: Castro hits two-run homer, Han Jun-soo adds solo shot; Samsung stumbles on trusted Felix… Rainout echoes 2024 [Daegu On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

They wrapped up the Junior Playoffs (JPO) cleanly in three games and fielded a perfect pitching-and-hitting combination. There was only one concern: whether their hitting form had cooled off. However, that too proved to be an unfounded worry.

The KIA Tigers are exploding at the plate early in Game 1 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Playoffs (PO, best-of-five series) against the Samsung Lions, scheduled for the 26th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning and adding a two-run home run by Harold Castro in the top of the third.

KIA, which finished third after displaying a formidable momentum late in the season, dominated the LG Twins in the JPO to secure three consecutive wins.

The batters erupted for 24 runs across the three games, and all three victories were starting pitcher wins, indicating a flawless rotation. Thanks to the rotation’s consecutive strong outings, bullpen usage was also minimized. In Game 3, they took an early lead, allowing them to evaluate pitchers who had not been used in Games 1 and 2.

Physical fatigue has been completely eliminated. If anything, the concern was whether a five-day break might dampen their hot bats.

It was needless worry. They fired from the top of the first inning. They showed focus with two outs. Kim Do-young calmly drew a walk despite an unfavorable count and stole second base. He raced home on Castro’s line drive to right field, even inducing a throwing error by Kim Seong-yoon. When Na Sung-bom hit a double to left field, Castro also crossed the plate.

Samsung starter Chris Felix’s pitch count rose rapidly. He retired the side in order in the second inning, but KIA troubled Felix again in the third. Starting from two outs once more, Kim Do-young reached base on a line drive to left field this time, and Castro finished the job again.

With two outs and a runner on first base and a full count, he swung hard at a 144 km/h low cutter jammed in on his body, and the ball flew deep toward the right-field fence. Right fielder Kim Seong-yoon chased the ball but had to stop. It was an 115-meter two-run home run.

Since the game is still in its early stages, a four-run lead is not enough to guarantee victory. However, one thing can be confirmed with certainty: KIA’s lineup has not lost any of the hitting form they displayed during the JPO.

Felix returned to the mound in the fourth inning, but Han Jun-soo also hit a solo home run. As in the Korea Series two years ago, rain appears to be working in KIA’s favor once again.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original