“Fatal error” Kim Young-woong + “Injured but fighting on” Kang Min-ho stay put! Samsung reveals Game 5 lineup → Only batting order slightly adjusted [PO5 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The Samsung Lions have revealed their starting lineup for the fateful fifth game of the playoffs, which will determine their advancement to the Korea Series. Veteran Kang Min-ho, whose physical condition is not at its best, will guard home plate, while Kim Young-woong, who committed a critical error in Game 4, also made the list. The entire regular infield and outfield corps will take the field as-is for an all-out effort.

Samsung announced its starting lineup ahead of Game 5 of the 2026 KBO playoffs against the KIA Tigers, to be held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 1st. Facing KIA starter Adam Ottavino, the batting order will consist of Kim Ji-chan (center fielder) – Park Seung-gyu (right fielder) – Gu Ja-wook (designated hitter) – Lewin Diaz (first baseman) – Choi Hyeong-woo (left fielder) – Kim Young-woong (third baseman) – Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman) – Kang Min-ho (catcher) – Lee Jae-hyun (shortstop).

Compared to Game 4 on October 30, the nine starting players remain the same. The hot corner is still guarded by Kim Young-woong without change, with only Ryu Ji-hyuk and Kang Min-ho swapping positions in the No. 7 and No. 8 spots of the batting order.

The biggest point of interest, the starting appearance of catcher Kang Min-ho, has also been confirmed. In Game 4, Kang Min-ho showed somewhat awkward swings at the plate, signaling issues with his hitting balance and physical condition.

Manager Park Jin-man also spoke about Kang Min-ho’s condition immediately after Game 4, stating, “Even though he is uncomfortable physically, he has the will to go out there. We should let him rest tomorrow and re-check his condition for Game 5,” indirectly acknowledging that his condition was not at 100%.

Nevertheless, Manager Park expressed strong confidence in the veteran’s focus and fighting spirit, saying, “There is no problem with pitching, but hitting is another matter. Still, he hit two singles today.”

Ultimately, despite concerns about his physical condition, Kang Min-ho lived up to the expectations of the manager and the team by wearing the starting mask for Game 5. Attention is now on whether Samsung can secure the final ticket with a “lineup of trust” in this do-or-die battle.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original