‘Koo Ja-wook’s go-ahead hit → Diaz’s two-run home run’ The atmosphere at Raemkun Park shifted… Yesterday it was KIA, today it is Samsung: In the end, a battle of the middle of the order [PO2]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The Samsung Lions, who bowed their heads after allowing five runs to the KIA Tigers’ middle of the order in Game 1, also had their middle-of-the-order hitters turn the tide in Game 2.

In Game 2 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Playoffs (best-of-five series) against the KIA Tigers at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 27th, Samsung scored four runs in the bottom of the third inning to take the lead after trailing 0-1.

Although it was a playoff following a two-week break, the silence of Samsung’s lineup was painful. James Neely was ejected in the fifth inning with one out due to a headshot, but the bullpen pitchers could not be penetrated either, and the game ended in a poor performance with just two hits, resulting in a 1-5 loss.

On this day, despite concerns about defensive instability, Choi Hyeong-woo was deployed as left fielder. Manager Park Jin-man explained before the game, “We chose it primarily to maximize offensive power.”

Choi Hyeong-woo, who started at left field, recorded a hit in the second inning, but KIA seized the early momentum again by scoring one run in the top of the third.

However, Samsung’s hitters began to wake up in the bottom of the third. Ryu Ji-hyuk, leading off the inning, drew a walk after an eight-pitch battle, creating a crack in the defense. After Lee Jae-hyun sacrificed with a bunt and Kim Ji-chan grounded out to shortstop, Park Seung-gyu, who came to bat second, attacked Adam Otter’s slider and hit a one-run tying go-ahead hit that rolled along the left-field line.

In an instant, the atmosphere at Samsung Lions Park changed dramatically. Next up, Koo Ja-wook boldly attacked Otter’s 151 km/h high fastball, and the ball became a one-run go-ahead hit toward center-right field.

Then, with Lewin Diaz’s big hit, the momentum completely shifted to Samsung’s side. From a full count, he smashed a 151 km/h high fastball on the outside corner. The ball flew toward center-right field and became a two-run home run with a carry distance of 121 meters. The exit velocity reached 170.3 km/h.

As Samsung’s middle of the order ultimately performed, the atmosphere changed completely.

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

*This content was translated by AI.View Original