“No championship” Kang Min-ho and “KS MVP” Kim Sun-bin, both hitless in 7 at-bats... Showcasing the power of veterans

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The core lineup is not an issue. Ultimately, the two veteran batters who must solve what comes next need to come alive.

In the 2026 KBO League Playoffs (PO), Samsung Lions and KIA Tigers, who faced off, fell into the same dilemma. This is because the bats of their key hitters, Kang Min-ho (41, Samsung) and Kim Sun-bin (37, KIA), have fallen silent.

In the previous two PO games, the two batters recorded a combined 0-for-7 at-bats. They also had exactly three strikeouts each. Only Kim Sun-bin drew one walk.

Their batting orders are similar as well. In Game 1 on the 26th, both started in the sixth spot in the lineup. In Game 2 on the 27th, Kim Sun-bin remained in the sixth spot, while Kang Min-ho dropped one rung to seventh. However, among the 17 starting batters from both teams across the two games, only these two have yet to record a hit.

Moreover, in the two games, each team's core lineup performed its role, splitting the wins one apiece. In Game 1, KIA's three-through-five hitters Kim Do-young, Castro, and Na Seong-beom combined for six hits (one home run) and four RBIs to lead a 5-1 victory. In Game 2, Samsung successfully counterattacked with an 8-3 win, powered by the cleanup trio of Koo Ja-wook, Diaz, and Choi Hyeong-woo, who combined for four hits (two home runs) and five RBIs.

However, it remains a regret that the offensive momentum was repeatedly broken when it came to Kim Sun-bin and Kang Min-ho, who are positioned behind them in the lineup.

The two batters are veterans who have seen it all. Kang Min-ho holds the KBO League record for most games played (2,607) and continues to solidly guard home plate despite being in his forties. In particular, despite being in his 23rd professional season, he still lacks a championship ring, making this autumn's performance even more urgent.

Kim Sun-bin is also the same age as Na Seong-beom and Kim Tae-gun (both 37), making him the oldest position player on the team. He continues to deliver stable defense at second base and has often performed his role in critical moments at the plate. In the 2024 Korea Series (KS) where KIA won the championship, he was awarded MVP with a .588 batting average (10 hits in 17 at-bats) over five games.

Starting from Game 3 to be held in Gwangju on the 29th, every game and every at-bat could determine the direction of the series. Attention is focused on whether the two veteran batters can demonstrate the power of their experience at a moment when it is most desperately needed for both their teams and themselves.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original