Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man praised the performance of table setters Kim Ji-chan and Lee Jae-hyun, noting plans to keep them in place for the time being.
Lead-off hitter Kim Ji-chan currently has a high batting average of .529 with 9 hits in 17 at-bats as of the 26th, and 8 runs scored, placing him tied for first in this institutional sector with Lee Jae-hyun. Lee Jae-hyun has a batting average of .333 (3 hits in 9 at-bats), with 1 home run, 4 RBIs, and 8 runs scored. He has been evaluated positively for improving his plate discipline, having drawn the most walks in the league.
Ahead of the home game against the NC Dinos on the 27th, manager Park Jin-man met with reporters and said, "Kim Ji-chan and Lee Jae-hyun are in very good hitting form. They are performing well as table setters, providing opportunities for the core batting lineup and improving scoring. For the time being, I plan to use them as table setters regardless of the type of opposing starter."
Samsung lost to NC 6-8 on the 26th, ending their winning streak at 3 since the regular season opener against the Kiwoom Heroes on the 22nd. However, in the 9th inning, with a bleak outlook for the game, Park Byung-ho's two-run homer was an impressive moment, putting pressure on the opponent.
Manager Park Jin-man also noted, "The team's batting has improved recently, creating a sense that even if we concede runs early in the game, we can chase them down. It's regrettable, but since our batting form is good, it doesn't feel like we will lose even when we are behind."
Park Byung-ho has been continuing a good trend, hitting home runs in three consecutive games since the 23rd against Kiwoom in Daegu. In response, manager Park Jin-man said, "Park Byung-ho's batting condition is good. His physical speed and bat speed feel improved compared to last year. It's common for speed to decline with age, but he has gotten better." He also said, "Park Byung-ho's training posture is very good. He comes out to prepare first at the ballpark. He knows well what is necessary as a veteran," smiling with satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Samsung's starting lineup features center fielder Kim Ji-chan, shortstop Lee Jae-hyun, left fielder Koo Ja-wook, third baseman Kim Young-woong, designated hitter Park Byung-ho, first baseman Lewin Diaz, second baseman Ryu Ji-hyuk, right fielder Kim Heon-gon, and catcher Lee Byeong-heon. Manager Park Jin-man said, "I was considering whether to use Kim Young-woong or Diaz in the cleanup spot, but since Kim Young-woong's batting form is good, I placed him fourth."
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