Daegu: The Samsung Lions have played eight games since the start of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason on Oct. 6, with the ninth game coming up Tuesday night in Game 3 of the second round against the Hanwha Eagles at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the southeastern city of Daegu. Even with a couple of rainouts along the way, that's plenty of high-stakes, high-pressure games over a relatively short stretch. It wouldn't be the strangest thing if the Lions hit the proverbial wall, mentally or physically, any day now.
According to Yonhap News Agency, infielder Ryu Ji-hyuk feels playing on a consistent basis is helping the Lions. "We've been playing a lot of games but I think it is beneficial for us because it feels like we're just playing regular-season games," Ryu said in his pregame media availability in Daegu. "There doesn't seem to be much pressure of being in a postseason series. We're just playing like we normally would during the regular season."
That the Lions have been the underdogs in each of the past two series has also worked in their favor, Ryu said. The Lions, as the No. 4 seed, knocked off third-seeded SSG Landers in the previous round, and managed a 1-1 split on the road against No. 2 seed Hanwha Eagles over the weekend. "We have nothing to lose and the pressure is on the other side," Ryu said. "So we're not really looking at the big picture now. We're just trying to do our best one game at a time."
Ryu has 33 postseason games under his belt and has played in every possible round, all the way from the wild card round to the Korean Series. Now 31, Ryu said he is drawing inspiration from teammates still in their early 20s who got their first taste of the KBO postseason in 2024, namely shortstop Lee Jae-hyeon and third baseman Kim Young-woong. Kim is batting .571 in this series and is tied for the team lead with three RBIs. Lee has also driven in three runs and scored a team-high three runs, too. Both have been rock solid on the left side of the infield.
"I am so thankful they are carrying the team now. We older guys haven't done anything," Ryu said with a smile. "They seem to be enjoying themselves on this stage. With those players around here, I think this team is set for the next 10 years. We have a really strong foundation."