The Samsung Lions' bats are hot.
Since the regular season opener against the Kiwoom Heroes on the 22nd, the team has scored double digits in three consecutive games and, as of the 26th, leads the league with 11 home runs. Manager Park Jin-man noted, "There is a vibe that even if we give up runs early in games, we can chase back, thanks to our recent good hitting."
The Futures team's lineup is just as hot as the first team. On the 27th, the Samsung Futures team staged a comeback drama with an 11-5 victory against the KT Wiz in a home game at Gyeongsan Volk Park, overcoming a 5-run deficit. That day, Samsung's starting lineup consisted of left fielder Hong Hyun-bin, shortstop Lee Hae-seung, designated hitter Kim Tae-hoon, first baseman Lee Chang-yong, third baseman Yang Woo-hyun, second baseman Ahn Ju-hyung, right fielder Park Seung-kyu, catcher Kim Do-hwan, and center fielder Lee Jin-yong.
KT completed a big inning in the first. After Kim Byung-joon's double and Kim Jun-tae's walk, KT took advantage with runners on first and third with one out and scored two runs with consecutive timely hits from Lee Seung-hyun and Kang Min-seong. Kim Min-seok walked, but Kim Geon-hyung also drew a walk. With two outs and bases loaded, Oh Se-jin hit a single, bringing home two runs. Soon after, Park Tae-wan's single to right extended the lead to 5-0.
Samsung's bats exploded in the fifth inning. Despite trailing by 5 runs, they achieved double digits in scoring. Lead-off batter Ahn Ju-hyung reached base with a hit, and Park Seung-kyu hit a two-run homer to left. This was the beginning of a tremendous comeback. After Kim Do-hwan's double and Kim Tae-geun's single to left added another run, they created an opportunity with one out and runners on first and second after Lee Hae-seung walked. Kim Tae-hoon then smashed a three-run homer, turning the score to 6-5 in their favor.
Lee Chang-yong and Kim Ho-jin also hit singles, creating additional scoring opportunities. In a two outs, runners on first and second situation, Park Seung-kyu exploded for a three-run homer to left. Soon after, Kim Do-hwan also launched a solo homer, extending the lead to 10-5. Samsung added another run in the seventh with Kim Jae-seong's single to right with one out and runners on first and second.
The starting pitchers that day were Hwang Dong-jae, Kim Baek-san, Lee Jae-ik, Kim Dong-hyun, Choi Sung-hoon, and Park Joo-hyuk, who took turns on the mound. Notably, Lee Jae-ik pitched 1⅔ innings without allowing a run. The fourth pitcher, Kim Dong-hyun, earned the win with three scoreless innings. Park Seung-kyu led the offensive with three hits, including two home runs, five RBIs, and two runs scored, while Kim Tae-hoon and Kim Do-hwan also contributed.
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