‘And’ KIA’s Neil ‘Character’ Revealed → ‘Respect’ for Opposing Team’s Ace, To This Extent... And He Directly and in Detail Shares His Outlook on the ‘Decisive Game 5 of the Playoffs’ [PO4 On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

KIA Tigers’ foreign ace James Neil gave a cheerful answer when asked about his outlook for Game 5 of the playoffs (best-of-five series).

On the 30th, KIA secured a 4-2 comeback victory over the Samsung Lions in Game 4 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Playoffs at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field.

After winning Game 1 of the playoffs on the 26th by a score of 5-1, KIA lost Game 2 with a score of 3-8 and Game 3 with a score of 4-6. Facing a cliffhanger situation after one win and two losses, they won Game 4 today to reset the series record to two wins and two losses.

Now, after a day of rest, the two teams will play the highly anticipated final Game 5 of the playoffs at Daegu Samsung Lions Park at 2 p.m. on November 1.

Today, KIA faced the Samsung batters with their current foreign ace Neil. And Neil perfectly fulfilled his mission. He pitched well with five innings, six hits allowed, no walks or hit batters, five strikeouts, and one run allowed (one earned run), laying the foundation for the team’s victory.

Neil, who was interviewed by reporters after finishing Game 4 of the playoffs, could not hide his joy, saying, “I am really happy to have won. It is good that we were able to reach Game 5 of the playoffs, which we absolutely had to go to.”

Neil recalled, “I once pitched in the U.S. after a three-day rest. However, I had never done so in such an important series.” He continued, “After pitching through the fourth inning, I talked with the coaching staff. In the end, we decided to do our best only through the fifth inning. In the fifth inning, I threw each pitch as if it were the last batter, giving my all.”

KIA manager Lee Beom-ho met with reporters before Game 4 today and pointed out, “The first priority is playing a game to win.” He added, “Neil, our number one starter, had thrown 57 pitches. It was a very difficult decision not to use him in Game 4.” He further expressed his sincerity, saying, “We were in a situation where this could have been the last game. We could not simply end the series without even trying Neil. I talked with (Yang) Hyun-jong. Hyun-jong also showed consideration by saying that ‘the team winning is the top priority.’ I was grateful.”

Neil shared the backstory, saying, “Right after finishing Game 1, I was told I might start again in Game 4 and to prepare accordingly. Because the manager and coaches informed me in advance, I was able to focus on recovery as much as possible.”

Neil also showed some wobbly control early in the game. He said, “Actually, while warming up today, my control felt really good. I thought it might be my best day, but when facing the first batter, my control was not good. Seeing that, I thought it could be a tough game. However, my control with other pitches was good. So I think that is why I was able to finish well through the fifth inning.”

Today, Samsung also started with ace Chris Fiddick, who had started Game 1 of the playoffs just like Neil. Fiddick threw 94 pitches in Game 1. After a three-day rest, he threw a whopping 99 pitches today. Fiddick’s stats today were five and one-third innings, six hits allowed, one hit batter, six strikeouts, and one run allowed. Neil praised him, saying, “Fiddick threw close to 100 pitches four days ago, and it was the same today.” He added, “I have great respect for him.”

When asked about his outlook for Game 5 of the playoffs, Neil answered in detail, “(Game 5 starter) Oller and Samsung’s Huardo both seem like they will pitch well. However, in the end, KIA will win the game. I predict a 4-2 victory. Also, Kim Do-young will hit one home run.”

Neil then emphasized, “It will truly be a close game. Just like this Game 4, Game 5 will also be a crazy game.” He continued to show firm belief in his foreign teammate, saying, “Oller will pitch with great focus. Also, Fiddick had not been good against our team, but just as he pitched well in this Game 4, Oller’s time seems like it will be an opportunity for revenge against Samsung.”

Neil reaffirmed his resolve, saying, “From now on, I will assume our team has advanced to the Korea Series and prepare as much as possible for the KT game. I will study how I pitched and how the opponent attacked me. Also, physically, I will focus on recovery as much as possible.”

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original