“Coexistence of Koo Ja-wook and Choi Hyeong-woo is impossible” → Result: 2 hits, a crushing defeat; Manager Park Jin-man hints at lineup changes — Will “outfielder Choi Hyeong-woo” be in the starting lineup? [PO Game 2]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Living legend Choi Hyeong-woo (43) rested in Playoffs (PO) Game 1. This was because Koo Ja-wook (33), the batting double crown winner, took over the designated hitter spot due to an injury. However, after a poor performance and defeat in Game 1, Manager Park Jin-man (50) hinted at changes. Will we see Choi Hyeong-woo as a “starting outfielder” in Game 2?

Samsung lost 1-5 to the KIA Tigers in PO Game 1 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason (best-of-five series) held on the 26th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park.

Samsung, which secured a spot in the POs as the second seed, had two weeks to rest but conceded the first win to KIA, who advanced through the semi-POs. In the history of best-of-five PO series, only eight teams have reached the Korea Series after losing Game 1, a probability of just 22.9%. Samsung is now in an even more disadvantageous position.

It was painful that Samsung’s trusted starter Chris Fiddix collapsed with five runs allowed through five innings, but it was a game they could not have won even without Fiddix. This was due to the lineup managing only two total hits, despite KIA starter James Neal suddenly receiving a headshot ejection in the fifth inning.

It was painful that Choi Hyeong-woo, who holds the career record for most hits, was not utilized even in the latter half of the game. Manager Park Jin-man stated that it would not be easy to assign defensive duties to Choi Hyeong-woo on a big stage, and chose to keep the legend on the bench. In hindsight, all of KIA’s runs were generated by their middle of the order. The absence of Choi Hyeong-woo was felt very significantly.

After the game, Manager Park Jin-man explained why he did not use Choi Hyeong-woo: “There were no chances in the lineup. We cannot simply use Choi Hyeong-woo. Runners need to be on base for us to play the Choi Hyeong-woo card. It is a bit disappointing that we could not use Choi Hyeong-woo. There was no opportunity.” He added, “It was a difficult game. If we let it go to Game 2, the series becomes harder. We seem to need to prepare in whatever way possible to win.”

This explanation would be acceptable if it were mid-game. Even if using Choi Hyeong-woo as a pinch hitter could narrow the gap, there was anxiety about what variables might arise if he were left on defense. Manager Park Jin-man waited for a moment when Choi Hyeong-woo’s one hit could completely change the flow of the game.

However, in the end, the game ended without him being used after being held back. He could have been tried even in the bottom of the ninth inning, but Manager Park kept Choi Hyeong-woo in reserve until the very end.

Will we see Choi Hyeong-woo in Game 2? Manager Park made a suggestive remark, saying, “I think we need to change the lineup or members tomorrow,” and regarding the possibility of Choi Hyeong-woo starting, he said, “It seems we need to consider various things. I will go in, have a meeting, and try to rearrange the lineup and batting order.”

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original