In brief
Samsung Lions routed the Kia Tigers 6‑1 on Sunday to earn a berth in the Korean Series, but manager Park Jin‑man expressed concern over the team's defensive performance, noting that nine errors across five playoff games contrast sharply with a regular‑season best of 85. Senior outfielder Choi Hyoung‑woo, 42, was highlighted for his veteran presence and offensive contribution in the series, while pitcher Ariel Jurado earned the series MVP with two perfect starts.
On Sunday, the Samsung Lions won 6‑1 over the Kia Tigers at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, sealing a spot in the Korea Baseball Organization Korean Series.
The victory gave the Lions their fifth straight win in the postseason and marked the fastest game of the series at two hours and 35 minutes.
The Lions committed two errors in the game, bringing their total to nine errors in five playoff games, an increase from the 85 errors they tied for fewest in the regular season.
After the game, manager Park‑Jin‑man said the defense had to improve, noting that the postseason had exposed mistakes that were not a problem during the regular season. Park added, "Our defense has to be better. It was a source of our pride in the regular season but I don't know what has happened in the postseason."
"In the Korean Series, mistakes will be even more magnified. A small miscue can determine the outcome of a game and we have to address that issue."
Park also praised starter Ariel Jurado, who threw seven strong innings with one unearned run and was named series MVP after both starts, and leadoff man Kim Ji‑chan, who produced three hits, three RBIs and three runs in the win.
Senior outfielder and veteran Choi Hyoung‑woo, 42, was highlighted for his contribution, batting five for 13 with two home runs and four RBIs in the series. Choi said, "It has been such a long time. Of course, our goal at the start of this season was to win the Korean Series. But honestly, I had my doubts. I wondered how much I could help the team at my age. But seeing the way my teammates competed during the season, I started feeling confident we could get it done."
