Manager Park Jin-man of the "KS-bound" team names his "hidden MVP"—surprisingly, it was this player, who pitched brilliantly in every Playoffs game, a "masterstroke" [PO5 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The Samsung Lions defeated the KIA Tigers in a hard-fought Game 5, earning their spot on the Korea Series (best-of-seven) stage for the first time in two years.

On the 1st, at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, Samsung defeated KIA 6-1 in the decisive Game 5 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Playoffs (best-of-five).

Having lost Game 1, won Games 2 and 3, and then lost Game 4, Samsung won the "decisive" Game 5 to clinch a 3-2 series lead and secure their Korea Series berth. After one day of rest, Samsung will challenge for the coveted double crown against KT Wiz, the regular season champions, starting on the 3rd.

Manager Park Jin-man, the winning manager, said in a post-game interview with reporters, "The players did their best until the end, breaking through the first hurdle toward the championship we set as our goal at the start of this season." He added, "We will do our utmost to bring back this momentum and energy in the Korea Series to achieve what we aimed for this season."

The primary who drove Samsung's Korea Series berth was undoubtedly starting pitcher Ariel Hurdado. Hurdado pitched brilliantly, allowing 5 hits, 2 walks, striking out 3, and giving up 1 run (unearned) over 7 innings. In this Playoffs series, Hurdado appeared in two games, allowing only 2 earned runs over 13⅔ innings for a dazzling 1.32 ERA.

Manager Park praised him highly, saying, "We were able to reach the Korea Series entirely thanks to Hurdado. He took responsibility for long innings and brought us victories in both games." He added, "The hero of this pitching staff is undoubtedly Hurdado."

Manager Park then named Lee Seung-min as the "hidden Most Valuable Player (MVP)," highly evaluating the dedication of the left-handed relief pitcher. Lee appeared in all five Playoffs games, pitching a rock-solid 5⅓ innings while allowing only 1 run (1.69 ERA).

Manager Park said, "He came out in all five games. It must have been physically demanding." He continued, "We always prepared (Lee) Seung-min to face KIA's top of the order. He reliably fulfilled his role in crucial situations against key hitters like Kim Do-young, Harold Castro, and Na Sung-bum. This became the foundation for us to get through the Playoffs. One postseason game carries fatigue similar to several regular season games, yet he handled all five perfectly. The heroes on the pitching side are Hurdado and Lee Seung-min," giving a thumbs-up.

On the offensive side, Kim Ji-chan, who started as the leadoff hitter, was a key contributor with 3 hits and 3 RBIs in 4 at-bats, scoring 3 runs. Manager Park noted, "Choi Hyeong-woo scored the first run, but thanks to Kim Ji-chan's timely hits in subsequent opportunities, we were able to firmly seize the momentum early in the game. He also played an excellent role when we needed additional runs. Park Seung-gyu added a timely hit, helping us secure the lead decisively."

In the top of the 9th inning, with Samsung leading 6-1, they brought closer Won Tae-in to the mound. Regarding this decision, Manager Park stated bluntly, "We put him in to win at all costs. It was not a situation in the postseason where we should be saving pitchers."

However, Won Tae-in's role ahead of the Korea Series remains undecided. Manager Park said, "First, our starting rotation for Games 1 through 3 (Chris Fiddix, Hurdado, Choi Won-tae) is ready," but added, "Whether to use Won Tae-in as a starter in the Korea Series depends on checking his physical condition. The player's own opinion is also important, so we will discuss it thoroughly with the coaching staff and make a decision given the time available. We are also considering whether to reinforce the pitching staff in the roster since the series could be long. There may be changes."

Manager Park showed unwavering confidence in foreign hitter Lewin Diaz, who struggled with batting slumps and consecutive errors during this Playoffs period. Manager Park said, "Batting cannot improve suddenly; it needs a trigger. Diaz is a player with great pride in his defense. However, he made an error in Game 5 after one in Gwangju. It seems that aspect is affecting his hitting as well." Nevertheless, he expressed trust by adding, "Since we got through the Playoffs well, I expect him to show the true form the team wants in the Korea Series."

The part Manager Park is most wary of and has instructed to improve ahead of the Korea Series is none other than "defense." Samsung exposed painful defensive errors in consecutive Games 4 and 5 of this Playoffs series. Manager Park analyzed, "Our defense needs to be solid. In the regular season, defense was our greatest pride and boast. During the Playoffs, the players appeared somewhat tense and withdrawn." He continued, "Defense must be played with confidence, just like hitting, for reaction speed to improve." He urged, "In the Korea Series, victory or defeat can hinge on a single small error or minor detail, so it seems the players need to prepare thoroughly."

Along with this, Manager Park hinted at changes regarding the use of designated hitter Choi Hyeong-woo as left fielder due to the injury impact on starting left fielder Koo Ja-wook. Manager Park explained, "Suwon KT Wiz Park differs in size and environment from Daegu stadium. We will consult closely with the coaching staff and training department." He added, "Choi Hyeong-woo has been handling defense continuously except for Game 1. This could affect his batting as well. We will consider this aspect from multiple angles with the training department."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original