Lewin Diaz Targets Redemption in KBO Playoffs Against Former MLB Teammate

SEOUL: Samsung Lions' first baseman Lewin Diaz is eyeing revenge against his former Major League Baseball teammate, Elieser Hernandez, in the ongoing Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason. Despite leading with three home runs in the second round, Diaz was unable to secure one against Hernandez, who has been performing exceptionally for the LG Twins. According to Yonhap News Agency, Hernandez successfully halted Diaz in two crucial at-bats during Thursday's game, contributing significantly to the Twins' narrow 1-0 victory. This win gave the LG Twins an edge in the best-of-five series held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Hernandez's performance has been stellar throughout the postseason, maintaining a zero-run record over 11 innings in six appearances. Diaz, reflecting on his encounters with Hernandez, acknowledged his former teammate's skill, expressing mixed feelings about their professional rivalry. "That's good for him," Diaz remarked, showing respect for Hernandez's success. However, he also hinted at a fierce comeback, stating, "Next time I'm going to see him, maybe I'll just try to hit a home run." The competition between the two has been a highlight of the series, adding a personal narrative to the postseason games. Diaz's attempts at home runs were notably close in Thursday's game, with two potential homers turning foul, one of which led to a challenged but upheld foul call. Despite the competitive tension, Diaz shared that he doesn't solely focus on hitting home runs. "In postseason games, I just try to be on base every time. I don't think about hitting homers and being a hero," he explained. His strategy remains team-oriented, aiming to contribute consistently rather than seeking personal glory. The postseason schedule has seen disruptions, including Friday's game being postponed due to rain, the second such delay in the series. These interruptions could potentially affect player performance, but Diaz appeared unfazed, focusing instead on preparation and maintaining a positive outlook for the upco ming games.