Daejeon: The LG Twins only managed a single victory against the Hanwha Eagles during their seven regular-season road meetings in Daejeon. However, as the Korean Series shifts to this central city for Game 3, Twins manager Youm Kyoung-youb expressed confidence that the team is ready to change the narrative.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Youm highlighted the difference in player concentration during the Korean Series compared to the regular season. During a pregame media session at Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark, Youm stated, "As you saw in the first two games, our hitters and pitchers are all locked in. I expect a lot out of this group."
The Twins showcased their dominance in the first two games at their home ground, Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, by winning 8-2 and 13-5. The team managed to score more runs than hits in both matches, capitalizing on walks issued by the Eagles. Youm attributed this success to the players' focus, particularly in scoring with two outs.
Despite waiting for Austin Dean, the team's regular-season home run leader, to make an impact, Youm remains optimistic. Dean has struggled with a 0-for-7 record and four strikeouts but has drawn three walks. Youm is keeping Dean in the No. 3 spot, expecting him to break out of his slump.
The Twins will face Cody Ponce, known for his prowess as the league leader in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, in the upcoming game. Youm emphasized the need for discipline against Ponce's fastball, which is thrown more than 60 percent of the time, advising his players to focus on pitches lower in the zone.