Incheon: The Samsung Lions secured a 5-2 victory against the SSG Landers in the opening game of their Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason series. The game, held at Incheon SSG Landers Field, saw the Lions power their way to victory with two crucial home runs and a stellar pitching performance from starter Choi Won-tae.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi Won-tae delivered an exceptional performance, striking out eight batters over six shutout innings, allowing only two singles. This performance marked the best outing of Choi’s postseason career and set the tone for the Lions’ win. The game drew a sellout crowd of 22,500, who witnessed Lee Jae-hyeon make KBO history by hitting a solo home run on the very first pitch, a feat never before achieved in a postseason game.

Lee’s historic home run gave the Lions an early lead, and they continued to build momentum. Despite a strong defensive effort from the Landers, including a diving catch by center fielder Choi Ji-hoon, the Lions extended their lead in the third inning with a two-run homer by Kim Young-woong. The Landers’ starting pitcher, Mitch White, struggled against the Lions’ lineup and was replaced after Kim Tae-hoon’s single.

The Lions capitalized on the Landers’ bullpen struggles, with Lewin Diaz and Kim Ji-chan adding two more runs in the fourth inning, putting the Lions up 5-0. Choi Won-tae’s dominant pitching continued to stifle the Landers’ offense until the seventh inning when Ko Myeong-jun hit a two-run homer. Despite a late rally attempt by the Landers, the Lions’ bullpen held firm, with closer Kim Jae-yoon securing the win with his eighth career postseason save.

Lions manager Park Jin-man praised Choi’s performance and highlighted the significance of Lee Jae-hyeon’s home run in boosting the team’s confidence. In contrast, Landers manager Lee Sung-yong noted the nerves exhibited by his players, many of whom were making their postseason debuts.

Looking ahead to Game 2, the Lions will aim to extend their series lead with Gerson Garabito set to start. Garabito’s previous performance against the Landers bodes well for the Lions. The Landers will counter with Kim Keon-woo, who will look to improve upon his regular-season record against the Lions.