Kang Min-ho and Kim Seong-yun suddenly benched! Changes to Samsung's lineup → Kim Do-hwan and Park Seung-gyu make surprise starting appearances [KS4 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Having seized control of the series momentum with a decisive victory in Game 3, the Samsung Lions are making bold changes to their starting lineup as they aim to secure the winning edge in Game 4.

Samsung will face KT Wiz in Game 4 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korea Series (best-of-seven) on the 7th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. After a narrow 7-8 loss in a slugfest in Game 1, Samsung followed up with a tense 3-2 win in Game 2 and then secured a dominant 5-1 victory in Game 6, leveraging a balance of pitching and hitting. Now leading the series 2-1 after coming from behind, Samsung is on a two-game winning streak and is determined to maintain its momentum to claim three wins.

On this day, Samsung fielded a starting lineup consisting of Kim Ji-chan (center fielder), Park Seung-gyu (right fielder), Koo Ja-wook (designated hitter), Choi Hyeong-woo (left fielder), Lewin Diaz (first baseman), Kim Young-woong (third baseman), Lee Jae-hyun (shortstop), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman), and Kim Do-hwan (catcher).

The most notable aspect is the rest given to veteran key players in both offense and defense, along with the promotion of new options. Veteran catcher Kang Min-ho, who has been guarding home plate, was excluded from the starting roster, while Kim Do-hwan takes the field as the No. 9 hitter and starting catcher. There is also a change in one outfield spot. Park Seung-gyu makes a surprise start as the No. 2 hitter and right fielder, replacing Kim Seong-yun who had previously been placed in that batting order slot, forming the table set with leadoff hitter Kim Ji-chan.

The middle of the lineup remains consistently powerful. The cleanup trio of Koo Ja-wook, Choi Hyeong-woo, and Diaz is deployed as usual, aiming squarely at KT's pitching staff. The bottom of the lineup will also provide solid support with Kim Young-woong, Lee Jae-hyun, and Ryu Ji-hyuk, set to carry forward the energy from yesterday's victory.

The pitching strategy Samsung has employed in Game 4, having gained a favorable position, is a "bullpen day." And the starter who will break the ice is the "19-year-old rookie" Jang Chan-hee. Jang takes the mound as the first pitcher to shut down the opposing lineup early in the game. Samsung plans to launch a volume attack by deploying its relief corps early, led by Jang, aiming to build a 3-1 series lead and solidify its path to the championship. Yang Chang-seop, Choi Won-tae, and others are all on standby to provide backup support. Meanwhile, Won Tae-in has been designated as the starter for Game 5, and Chris Fiddick is expected to take the mound in Game 6.

Attention is now focused on whether Samsung, which opted for a drastic lineup overhaul, can run up a three-game winning streak at home in Daegu and move one step closer to the championship trophy.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original