"I'm going to go crazy." After giving up even a historic milestone for Samsung, there is a 'hero' who once again puts the team first [KS]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The Samsung Lions are just one win away from reaching the top of the Korea Series (best-of-seven) for the first time in 12 years. And there is now a man who has emerged as Samsung's new 'autumn hero.' He is Park Seung-gyu, a 26-year-old outfielder in his eighth professional season.

On the 7th, at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, Samsung thoroughly defeated KT Wiz 10-5 in Game 4 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Korea Series.

With this, after losing Game 1, Samsung has won three consecutive games to take a 3-1 series lead. Samsung is now just one win away from its ninth Korea Series championship in franchise history, a feat not achieved since 2014, marking a 12-year drought.

Game 4 on this day featured somewhat chaotic flow, with a total of 19 walks and hit-by-pitches combined between the two teams. Nevertheless, Park Seung-gyu did not lose his focus.

After drawing a decisive solo home run in Game 3, Park started as the number-two hitter and right fielder on this day, delivering a dominant performance with three hits in four at-bats, three RBIs, and one run scored.

With Samsung trailing 0-1 in the bottom of the first inning with no outs and a runner on first, Park successfully executed a perfect sacrifice bunt on the first pitch. Subsequently, Samsung quickly reversed the score to 2-1 thanks to a walk by Koo Ja-wook and consecutive RBIs from Lewin Diaz and Kim Young-woong. In the ensuing bases-loaded opportunity, Kim Do-hwan hit a three-RBI cleanup double. It was essentially the moment Samsung firmly seized control of the game.

Park's performance continued. In the bottom of the third inning, with Samsung leading 6-1 and two outs and runners on first and third, Park drove a ball through shortstop Jang Jun-won's defense to score an additional run for his team. Then, in the bottom of the fifth inning with two outs and runners on first and second, he hit a two-RBI double that struck the top of the left-field fence against KT's Oh Won-seok. Both runners scored, and after settling into second base, Park clenched both fists and roared in celebration.

Park's bat did not cool down in the seventh inning either. In the bottom of the seventh with one out and no runners on base, he hit a line drive to right field to complete his three-hit game. He then scored on a subsequent double by Koo Ja-wook into left-center field, and Samsung ultimately secured a 10-5 victory.

After graduating from Ilsan Elementary School, Deoksu Middle School, and Gyeonggi High School, Park joined Samsung in the second round, ninth pick (82nd overall) of the 2019 draft. His signing bonus was 30 million won. Last year, Park was unable to make the postseason roster due to an injury to his right thumb. Having stepped up as a regular player this season, Park is delivering top-tier performances in this autumn baseball campaign. Previously, in the playoffs (best-of-five) against the KIA Tigers, he played in all five games and recorded five RBIs.

The manager also does not hold back his praise for such a Park Seung-gyu. Samsung Manager Park Jin-man said after Game 4, "They say you need a crazy player for the postseason, and he really seems crazy. Also, (Park) Seung-gyu's reactions lift the bench atmosphere so much," giving him a thumbs-up.

After Game 4 ended, Park met with reporters and shared his thoughts: "The resolve I had from the start of this postseason was to become a 'crazy guy.' Fortunately, it seems I am going crazy in a good way, so I am happy right now."

Regarding why he roars loudly every time he hits, he said, "First of all, I am the type who gets excited easily," adding, "When I hit an RBI in an important moment, I need to react big for the team's atmosphere to surge. I think that is how we can completely suppress the opposing team's momentum, so there is also a reason I do it even more loudly."

Currently, Park is performing in a manner entirely worthy of being a candidate for Korea Series Most Valuable Player (MVP). However, the team took priority over individual accolades. Park stated emphatically, "First of all, you can only receive the MVP if the team wins the championship. My desire for the team's victory is greater than my greed for the MVP. After we win, I hope (Koo) Ja-wook hyung receives the MVP."

Samsung, where not only key veteran players but also young blood like Park Seung-gyu have transformed into 'autumn closers,' is achieving harmony in both pitching and batting. And Park was thinking of the team's victory before personal titles. It was much like his appearance on April 22 against the Daegu SSG Landers, when in the bottom of the eighth inning with two outs and bases loaded, he sprinted to third base even though only a double remained for a 'hit for the cycle (cycling hit).' Can Park lead Samsung to the top for the first time in 12 years? The expectations of Samsung fans are growing.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original