"Married a cheerleader" KIA's Ha Ju-seok: "My wife said, 'Please don't get injured and play well so we can make it to the Korea Series…'" A devoted husband's special resolve [PO4 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

One more loss and it is over. Ha Ju-seok (32), a veteran infielder for the KIA Tigers, who are backed into a corner, burned with determination to secure a victory at all costs. Can they drag the Playoffs (best-of-five series) to Game 5 in Daegu?

KIA will face the Samsung Lions in Game 4 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Playoffs at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field at 6:30 p.m. on the 30th.

Although KIA won Game 1, they lost Games 2 and 3 consecutively, putting them in a precarious position. A victory today would reset the series record to two wins and two losses, allowing the contest to continue to a decisive Game 5.

In an interview with reporters ahead of the game, Ha Ju-seok said, "We talked among the players that we must at least make it to Daegu," adding, "Yesterday was a disappointing game, but since we packed our bags for five days, we will definitely win today and head to Daegu," reaffirming his resolve to win.

In Game 3 of the Playoffs held on the previous day (the 29th), Ha Ju-seok started as the No. 7 hitter and shortstop, recording two hits in four at-bats and one run batted in. Notably, he hit a tying RBI single with two outs and runners on first and second in the bottom of the second inning.

Reflecting on Game 3, Ha Ju-seok said, "My timing matched the pitches thrown by starting pitcher Choi Won-tae surprisingly well. Going to the plate with confidence was the key factor."

In Game 4, which is being held today, Samsung will field Chris Fiddick, who started Game 1. Ha Ju-seok performed well against Fiddick in their regular season matchups this year, hitting two singles in four at-bats with one run batted in.

Facing a rematch against Fiddick, he stated, "Fiddick is definitely a pitcher who throws good pitches," while emphasizing, "Since our team is in a must-win situation today, every player will show exceptional focus at the plate." He added, "I have carefully reviewed the pitch types Fiddick threw at me in Game 1 of the Playoffs. Rather than overthinking it, I will focus simply on my hitting timing."

Ha Ju-seok, who stepped onto the Korea Series (KS) field last year as a member of the Hanwha Eagles, continues to play on the autumn baseball stage even after being traded to KIA during this season. Showing solid batting form with a .273 average in three postseason games so far, he will start today as the No. 7 hitter and shortstop.

"I played autumn baseball with Hanwha last year and with KIA this year, so I am truly a happy player," Ha Ju-seok said. "Experiencing the Korea Series as a player is an immense blessing and a precious memory, so I really want to make it to the Korea Series again this time." He firmly added, "All players on our team will demonstrate high levels of concentration to ensure we win the game."

Ha Ju-seok attracted significant attention by marrying cheerleader Kim Yeon-jeong in December last year after a five-year romance. When asked what kind of message of support his wife sends him, he smiled shyly and said, "I haven't seen her face much recently," before adding, "She told me to please not get injured and play well so we can go to the Korea Series," revealing his devoted side.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original