Daejeon: Ahead of his club's 11th postseason game of this month, Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man expressed his pride in his players for their determination and grit during the series. The Lions are set to face the Hanwha Eagles in the crucial Game 5 of their best-of-five Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason series at the Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Lions reached this point after an impressive comeback in Game 4, overcoming a 4-0 deficit to secure a 7-4 victory. Entering the postseason as the No. 4 seed, the Lions began their campaign in the wild card round, needing two games to eliminate the fifth-seed NC Dinos. They then faced the No. 3 seed SSG Landers in the first round and emerged victorious in four games.
The current series has been marked by close contests and late-inning excitement, with both teams now just one win away from advancing to the Korean Series. Manager Park acknowledged the intensity of postseason games, emphasizing the extra effort required compared to regular-season matches. He commended his players for their relentless energy and competitive spirit.
Park highlighted the leadership of 40-year-old catcher Kang Min-ho, who has played every inning so far. Despite the physical demands, Kang remains motivated, setting a standard for younger teammates. The Lions are aiming for their second consecutive appearance in the Korean Series, having surprised many last year by achieving the second-best regular-season record.
Reflecting on the team's journey, Park noted the challenges they faced, including overcoming losing streaks to secure a postseason spot. He believes that last year's experience has boosted the team's confidence, fueling their desire to return to the Korean Series. Park reiterated the team's determination to extend their season and achieve their goals.