Samsung Manager "KIA's This Player" Under Extreme Scrutiny: "I Hope We Can Handle Him Well; He Was Simply Too Strong." Who Is It That Has Them on Edge Ahead of 'PO3'... [PO3 On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man expressed his determination ahead of Game 3 of the decisive Playoffs (best-of-five series) against the KIA Tigers.

The Samsung will face the KIA in Game 3 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Playoffs at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field on the 29th at 6:30 p.m.

Samsung and KIA are currently tied 1-1 after splitting Games 1 and 2 of the Playoffs. Samsung lost to KIA 1-5 in Game 1, but won Game 2 by a score of 8-3.

Ahead of the game, Manager Park said regarding Choi Hyeong-woo, "Manager Park stated, 'He will be familiar with this KIA stadium. I do not consider him an undervalued player. Given his extensive experience, I believe he will fulfill his role. Also, when Choi Hyeong-woo takes the field for defense, our team's atmosphere lifts significantly. He is a player who exerts considerable influence even in short series, so I believe he can perform his function well,'" expressing his expectations.

On this day, Samsung set its starting lineup as follows: Kim Ji-chan (center fielder), Park Seung-gyu (right fielder), Koo Ja-wook (designated hitter), Lewin Diaz (first baseman), Choi Hyeong-woo (left fielder), Kang Min-ho (catcher), Jeon Byung-woo (third baseman), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman), and Lee Jae-hyun (shortstop). The starting pitcher is Choi Won-tae.

Manager Park spoke about Choi Won-tae, saying, "There was a preparation period after the season ended. His command is certainly good. The first inning will likely be crucial. When he starts in good condition, he often navigates through the middle innings smoothly. If we do not fall behind in the starting pitcher matchup, I am confident there is ample chance to win in the late innings. He also performed well last autumn. He will remember that as well, so I am placing my expectations on him."

Choi Won-tae appeared in 24 games this season, recording a 7-5 record with an ERA of 4.68. Over 125 innings, he allowed 134 hits (including 14 home runs), issued 45 walks, struck out 119 batters, and gave up 13 runs (65 earned). His WHIP was 1.43, and his batting average against was 0.278. He achieved a quality start (six innings or more with three or fewer earned runs) on eight occasions. Against the KIA this year, he appeared in three games, posting a 1-1 record with an ERA of 8.10, which was somewhat underwhelming. Over 13⅓ innings, he allowed 17 hits (including 2 home runs), issued 4 walks, struck out 9 batters, and gave up 13 runs (12 earned), with a batting average against of 0.315.

Facing the Samsung, the KIA set its starting lineup as follows: Park Jae-hyun (left fielder), Kim Ho-ryeong (center fielder), Kim Do-young (third baseman), Harold Castro (first baseman), Na Seung-beom (right fielder), Kim Sun-bin (designated hitter), Kim Gyu-seong (second baseman), Kim Tae-goon (catcher), and Ha Ju-seok (shortstop).

Manager Park warned about the KIA batting order, stating, "In the case of Kim Sun-bin, there was an element we anticipated. In his final at-bat in (Game 2 of the Playoffs), we continuously saw him struggle somewhat against Won Tae-in. We had predicted he might be left out of today's lineup, but he came out as the designated hitter. Also, Kim Tae-goon has been exceptionally strong against us. In the lower part of the order, we must end innings easily with Kim Tae-goon to prevent the game from flowing into the upper part of the order. I really hope our pitcher can handle Kim Tae-goon well." Kim Tae-goon appeared in 14 games against the KIA this season, posting a batting average of 0.310 (13 hits in 42 at-bats), 1 home run, 12 RBIs, 6 runs scored, 3 doubles, and 1 walk, demonstrating strong performance.

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

*This content was translated by AI.View Original