"No hesitation in starting Kim Young-woong at third base?" Park Jin-man's unwavering confidence [KS1 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"There was no hesitation."

Park Jin-man (50), manager of the Samsung Lions, expressed his continued trust in the team's infielder, Kim Young-woong (23).

Ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 KBO League Korea Series against the KT Wiz, held on the 3rd at Suwon KT Wiz Park, Manager Park stated decisively in an official interview, "I did not hesitate to start Kim Young-woong at third base."

On this day, Kim Young-woong started as the sixth hitter and third baseman, just as he had in the previous playoff series against the KIA Tigers. During the playoffs, Samsung's Kim Young-woong and first baseman Diaz failed to field several strong ground balls from opponents, providing opportunities for runs to be scored.

In response, Manager Park Jin-man distributed specially ordered rice cakes to the team ahead of Game 5 of the playoffs on the 1st. The packaging featured a photo of Manager Park's face along with the message: "Players, even if the ball comes at you like a bad rice cake, catch it perfectly – Park Jin-man."

Facing Game 1 of the Korea Series, when asked about the team's infield defense, Manager Park said, "In a short series, such aspects, even one small thing, can completely shift the momentum," while adding, "Our players must have felt that during the playoffs. I believe they will do well."

He further emphasized, "Kim Young-woong is currently in a state where his batting form has improved significantly," and stated, "Judging that he was in good condition, I started him without hesitation." Diaz also remained unchanged, starting as the fourth hitter and first baseman on the lineup.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original