Lee Beom-ho, manager of the KIA Tigers, expressed his thoughts on October 29 ahead of the third game of the playoff series against the Samsung Lions at Gwangju's Kia Champions Field.
According to Yonhap News, Lee stated, "I have been contemplating whether to use Kim Sun-bin, who will be a designated hitter today, in the second or sixth spot. Ho-ryeong has performed well against Choi Won-tae this season, and I think we need 'aggressive baseball' if he gets on base early." He added, "I am counting on our speedy players, Park Jae-hyun, Kim Ho-ryeong, and Kim Do-young."
Lee also mentioned, "I think pitcher Shirakawa Geisho needs to hold out for five innings while allowing three runs. If he struggles early, I will quickly send four to five pitchers from the bullpen to manage the game."
Regarding the starting pitcher for the fourth game on October 30, Lee indicated, "It depends on how we handle today. I am still weighing whether to use Yang Hyun-jong as planned or to bring in James Neill early."
He emphasized, "We cannot break Samsung's left-handed lineup without using Kwak Do-kyu and Lee Eui-ri. It is crucial not to allow runners on base in front of Gu Ja-wook and Choi Hyung-woo."
Meanwhile, KIA and the Samsung Lions split the first two games of the playoff series held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, each team securing one win.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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