Daegu: For the second straight postseason game, Samsung Lions' ace pitcher, Won Tae-in, delivered a remarkable performance despite facing a rain delay. The right-hander showcased his resilience at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, leading his team to a 5-3 victory over the SSG Landers, thereby securing a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five first-round series in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Won Tae-in managed to maintain his composure and effectiveness, pitching 6 2/3 innings and allowing just one run. He struck out five batters and allowed five hits while issuing only one walk. The game was disrupted by a 37-minute rain delay after the first inning, but Won kept himself warm and ready in the bullpen, ensuring a seamless return to the mound once play resumed.
Despite giving up a leadoff single in the second inning, Won quickly regained control with an inning-ending double play. With the Lions taking a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning, Won remained solid, only conceding an RBI single to Choi Ji-hoon in the fourth inning. He effectively navigated through the fifth inning, even after allowing a two-out double, and kept the Landers scoreless in the sixth inning after the Lions extended their lead to 5-1.
In the seventh inning, after securing the first out, Won engaged in an intense 11-pitch battle with An Sang-hyun, ultimately striking him out with a curveball for his 105th pitch of the night, narrowly missing his season high. His previous high was set against the NC Dinos in the wild card round, where he also impressed with six shutout innings following another rain delay.
The Lions' victory on Monday places them in a favorable position, as history suggests that the team winning Game 3 in a 1-1 series tie often advances. Won's performance, although perhaps not as statistically impressive as his earlier outing, was crucial in setting the Lions on a potential path to victory in the postseason series.