One win from the title: Samsung makes a bold move by starting 'closer' Kang Min-ho! Pairing with Won Tae-in, they aim for their first Korea Series championship in 12 years [KS5 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The Samsung Lions, needing just one more win to secure the championship, have reinstated their reliable 'closer' Kang Min-ho to the starting lineup, throwing down their final trump card in pursuit of their ninth Korea Series title in franchise history.

Samsung will face KT Wiz in Game 5 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korea Series (best-of-seven) at 2 p.m. on the 8th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. After a narrow 7-8 loss in Game 1, Samsung won Game 2 (3-2), Game 3 (5-1), and then dominated with a 10-5 victory in Game 4 held the previous day (the 7th). Riding an unbeaten three-game winning streak, Samsung holds a series lead of 3 wins to 1 loss, securing a 94.7% probability of winning the championship. They are determined to capitalize on this momentum and lift their ninth Korea Series trophy in franchise history—their first since 2014—before the home fans in Daegu.

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), Lewin Diaz (first baseman), Choi Hyeong-woo (left fielder), Kim Young-woong (third baseman), Lee Jae-hyun (shortstop), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman), and Kang Min-ho (catcher).

The most notable aspect is undoubtedly the return of veteran catcher Kang Min-ho to the starting lineup. After being rested from the start in Game 4 the previous day for workload management, Kang Min-ho will once again don the mask as the number nine hitter and starting catcher to guard home plate. Given that this is a fateful Game 5 with the championship trophy within reach, the bench judged that the seasoned pitcher handling of a veteran who has seen it all, along with his powerful hitting, was absolutely essential. Park Seung-gyu, who was surprisingly used as the number two hitter in Game 4, will also start consecutively as the number two hitter and right fielder, forming the table-setting duo again alongside leadoff hitter Kim Ji-chan.

The cleanup trio of Koo Ja-wook, Diaz, and Choi Hyeong-woo is activated to aim directly at KT's pitching staff with a formidable combination. The heavy destructive power of the middle of the order is complemented by Kim Young-woong, Lee Jae-hyun, Ryu Ji-hyuk, and Kang Min-ho in the lower half of the lineup, completing a solid batting order with no weak spots.

On the mound, 'Ace with Blue Blood' Won Tae-in will make his starting appearance, stepping up to directly secure the team's ninth Korea Series championship. Won Tae-in, who has proven the caliber of an ace from the regular season through the postseason, will pair with Kang Min-ho in the battery; if they can suppress KT's lineup, Samsung's 12-year-long thirst for a title will be thoroughly quenched at home in Daegu on this day. The bullpen is also expected to deploy all available resources, including keeping ace Chris Fiddix ready as a situational option.

Historically, the probability of winning the championship for a team that leads 3-1 after Game 4 of the Korea Series is a staggering 94.7%. With the return of 'closer' Kang Min-ho, Samsung has built a complete unit in both pitching and hitting. All eyes are on whether Samsung can complete their ninth title in franchise history—their first in 12 years—in Daegu, which will be covered by a wave of blue.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original