"I hope batters 1 and 2 get on base so he can deliver" — Manager Lee Kang-cheol's prediction came true! Ahn Hyun-min, the first home run hero of the Korea Series... KT leads 5-0 [KS1 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Manager Lee Kang-cheol (60) of the KT Wiz's prediction proved accurate. Ahn Hyun-min (23), making his debut in a Korea Series, hit a massive two-run homer against the Samsung Lions, perfectly meeting the expectations of the team's skipper.

Ahn Hyun-min started as the third batter and designated hitter in Game 1 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korea Series (best-of-seven) against the Samsung Lions on the 3rd at Suwon KT Wiz Park, hitting a go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning. It was his first career postseason home run and the first home run of this Korea Series.

It was a moment when Manager Lee Kang-cheol's prediction from the previous day's (the 2nd) Korea Series media day came to fruition. When asked who would hit the first home run of the Korea Series, the manager replied, "I hope batters 1 and 2 get on base so Ahn Hyun-min can hit one."

In fact, Ahn Hyun-min showed his presence from his first at-bat. In the bottom of the first inning with one out and a runner on third, he drew a walk against Samsung starter Choi Won-tae to reach base. Subsequently, Sam Hilliard hit a two-run double that struck the left-center field fence directly, giving KT the lead. Adding Kim Sang-soo's infield hit, KT extended their lead to 3-0.

Ahn Hyun-min's bat truly exploded in his second at-bat. With KT leading 3-0 in the bottom of the third inning, leadoff batter Kim Min-hyeok reached base on a large double that struck the top of the right-center field fence. Entering the batter's box with no outs and a runner on second, Ahn Hyun-min watched Choi Won-tae's first pitch, a low inside two-seam fastball.

He did not miss the 132nd km/h changeup coming inside on the second pitch. The ball he swung at with full force cleared the left field fence, resulting in a two-run home run with a carry distance of 105.1 meters. KT's lead instantly widened to 5-0.

The scenario Manager Lee Kang-cheol had hoped for — batters 1 and 2 getting on base followed by a home run from Ahn Hyun-min — was completed in the very first game of the Korea Series. It is an even more special blast for Ahn Hyun-min. Having joined KT in 2024, he began to stand out in the first division last year and grew into the team's new central hitter. This year, as a key player who led KT to first place in the regular season and their first 90 wins since founding, he stepped onto his first fall baseball stage.

Before the game, Ahn Hyun-min revealed his excitement, saying, "I have imagined playing fall baseball many times. I've imagined doing poorly and doing well." He added, "In the end, I think all players imagine winning the MVP most of all." He also expressed his anticipation, stating, "I want to feel the energy of the field quickly. The cheering culture and overwhelming atmosphere that fall baseball brings are different, so I want to experience it soon."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original