The Samsung Lions defeated the KIA Tigers 6-1 in the decisive fifth game of the playoffs, securing their spot in the Korean Series for the first time in two years.
On November 1, at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, Samsung clinched the final game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO postseason playoffs.
With a series record of 3 wins and 2 losses, Samsung aims for a championship title after finishing as runners-up in 2024.
The first game of the Korean Series against the regular season champion KT Wiz is scheduled for November 3 at 6:30 PM at KT Wiz Park in Suwon. In their regular season matchups this year, Samsung holds a slight edge with 9 wins and 7 losses.
Ariel Hurado was the standout performer in the fifth game, pitching 7 innings with 5 hits, 2 walks, 3 strikeouts, and 1 earned run (unearned).
Hurado, who also won the previous game, was named the playoff MVP after receiving 47 out of 79 votes (59.5%).
The Lions' offense was led by table setters. Leadoff hitter Kim Ji-chan recorded 3 hits, 3 RBIs, 3 runs, and 1 stolen base, earning him the daily MVP for the game. Second hitter Park Seung-kyu contributed with 2 hits and 2 RBIs.
Veteran Choi Hyung-woo delivered the decisive hit with a clutch single in the first inning, driving in the first run of the game.
Samsung took control early, capitalizing on KIA starter Adam Oller's struggles. After scoring the first run in the first inning, they extended their lead to 4-0 in the second inning with a 2-RBI single from Kim Ji-chan and an RBI single from Park Seung-kyu.
KIA attempted to rally in the third inning with a 1-RBI triple from Park Jae-hyun, but Samsung sealed the victory with additional runs in the sixth inning. A 1-RBI triple from Kim Ji-chan, aided by an error from KIA left fielder Harold Castro, followed by another RBI single from Park Seung-kyu, pushed the score to 6-1. Relief pitchers Lee Seung-min and Won Tae-in closed out the game without allowing any runs.
In contrast, KIA struggled both offensively and defensively. Starter Oller was pulled after just 2 innings, giving up 6 hits and 4 runs, while the lineup managed only 5 scattered hits.
With this defeat, KIA faces its fifth consecutive playoff exit, following similar outcomes in 1990, 1992, 2002, and 2003.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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