“Carrying the momentum from PO5!” Samsung keeps starting lineup “as is” — Kang Min-ho behind plate → Choi Hyeong-woo LF, Koo Ja-yuk DH [KS1 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The Samsung Lions will field the same lineup that secured their victory in Game 5 of the Playoffs as they aim to gain an early advantage in the Korea Series. Notably, veteran catcher Kang Min-ho, who has been playing through a side injury, will once again don the starting catcher’s mask without change.

Samsung will face the KT Wiz in an away game for Game 1 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korea Series (best-of-seven) on the 3rd at Suwon KT Wiz Park.

The Samsung starting lineup revealed before the game is a 100% match with that of the previous Playoffs Game 5. Kim Ji-chan (center fielder) and Park Seung-gyu (right fielder) form the top of the order, while the powerful cleanup trio of Koo Ja-yuk (designated hitter), Lewin Diaz (first baseman), and Choi Hyeong-woo (left fielder) anchors the middle of the lineup. Following them, Kim Young-woong (third baseman), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman), Kang Min-ho (catcher), and Lee Jae-hyun (shortstop) occupy the bottom of the order. Even the defensive positions remain unchanged. Just as at Raemunmu Park, Choi Hyeong-woo is the starting left fielder in Suwon as well.

The most eye-catching aspect is Kang Min-ho, who will play as the No. 8 hitter and catcher. In fact, Kang Min-ho has been navigating this Playoffs stage with an incomplete physical condition. According to his own account, a severe side injury led to unfavorable hospital examination results, leaving him unable to execute a normal full swing. This is why he managed by refraining from leg kicks at the plate and instead using a hitting method that gently meets the ball with the center of the bat.

Although it was evident to anyone watching that his physical condition was compromised, he responded to the bench’s absolute trust by firmly guarding home plate in Game 1 of the Korea Series, the team’s most important stage.

Samsung, which earned a Korea Series berth through perfect pitching and hitting harmony in Playoffs Game 5, plans to carry over that momentum and batting form as is. Right-handed starter Choi Won-tae will take the mound for Game 1, aiming to shut down the KT lineup.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original