Daegu:The Samsung Lions have secured their place in the Korean Series for the second time in three seasons after defeating the Kia Tigers 6-1 in Game 5 of the second round of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason. The game took place on Sunday at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, located approximately 230 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, leadoff hitter Kim Ji-chan was instrumental in the Lions' victory with three hits and three RBIs. Starter Ariel Jurado delivered a strong performance, pitching seven solid innings to secure his second win of the series. Jurado, who pitched 6 2/3 innings allowing two runs in his Game 2 victory last Tuesday, was named the series MVP.
In front of a sellout crowd of 23,550 fans, the Lions clinched the best-of-five series in five games, earning their spot in the Korean Series. They will face the regular-season champions, KT Wiz, in a best-of-seven championship series starting at 630 p.m. on Tuesday at KT Wiz Park in Suwon, located about 30 kilometers south of Seoul.
The KT Wiz had a direct entry to the Korean Series, having last played in their regular-season finale on October 12. The Wiz are seeking their second championship, following their 2021 victory, and their recent loss to the LG Twins in the 2023 Korean Series. Meanwhile, the Lions are in pursuit of their ninth championship title and their first since 2014, having been runners-up to the Tigers in the 2024 Korean Series.
The Lions took an early lead in the game, scoring the first run in the bottom of the first inning against Tigers' starter Adam Oller. Kim Ji-chan opened with a single, and Koo Ja-wook followed with a one-out walk. Choi Hyoung-woo then hit a single up the middle, allowing Kim to score as the ball slipped under the glove of shortstop Ha Ju-suk. The Lions extended their lead with three additional runs in the second inning.