The Samsung Lions caught their nemesis and achieved their third consecutive victory.

Samsung won 4-2 in a comeback victory against the Kia Tigers in the 2025 Shinhan Bank SOL Bank KBO League game held at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on the 2nd, after a pitcher’s duel. Starting pitcher Choi Won-tae limited the opposition to two runs over six innings, setting the stage for victory. Kim Young-woong had a two-RBI game-tying hit, and Park Byeong-ho delivered a two-RBI game-winning hit. They defeated the nemesis, who had a record of 4 wins and 12 losses last year, right from the first match.

The KIA starting pitcher Kim Do-hyun didn’t allow a single run against Samsung last year. Samsung's starting pitcher Choi Won-tae was also strong against KIA historically. As expected, a pitcher’s duel unfolded. Kim Do-hyun used a variety of pitches to contain Samsung’s strong batting line with minimal runs allowed. Choi Won-tae faced the opposition with heavy fastballs, allowing only two runs from a two-run home run but not allowing further hits.

KIA smiled first. In the bottom of the third inning, the lead-off hitter Kim Gyu-sung reached base with a single. Although Choi Won-jun was out with a pop fly to left field, Patrick Wisdom launched a two-run home run on the first pitch, traveling 120 meters. It marked his fifth home run of the season and his fourth consecutive game with a home run, tying the team record.

Samsung quickly tied the game. In the top of the fourth, after one out, Park Byeong-ho reached base with a bloop single to left, and Lewin Diaz backed him up with a double that went past the right fielder. With runners on second and third with one out, Kim Young-woong delivered a bloop single to center, bringing both runners home. The game was back to square one. In the fifth, they failed to capitalize on a one-out, second-base opportunity created by a single and a stolen base by Kim Ji-chan.

Samsung’s outfielders also shone with their big catches. In the bottom of the second, with two outs, right fielder Kim Heon-gon made a catch on a double by Han Jun-soo. In the bottom of the sixth, lead-off hitter Choi Hyung-woo's deep line drive was caught by Kim Ji-chan, who sprinted to make the play. This was impressive defense that erased two doubles, showcasing Samsung's strength not just with the bat but also in defense.

Kim Do-hyun did not take the mound from the seventh inning. He concluded his six innings with 5 hits, 1 walk, and 7 strikeouts while allowing 2 runs. He utilized sliders, fastballs, curves, change-ups, and two-seamers effectively, achieving quality starts in consecutive games. His top speed reached 147 km/h. Choi Won-tae also showcased his might with 6 innings, allowing 4 hits, 3 walks, and 9 strikeouts with 2 runs allowed. He exhibited a maximum fastball of 151 km/h (58 pitches), along with sliders (28 pitches) and curves, flaunting his $70 million free agent stature.

The game turned in the top of the eighth. As KIA's go-to pitcher Jeon Sang-hyun took to the mound, Kim Ji-chan drew a walk, followed by a sacrifice bunt. KIA allowed Gu Ja-wook to walk automatically and selected Park Byeong-ho. Park Byeong-ho then hit a two-RBI double into the right-center field, turning the score around to 4-2. This moment seized the momentum. KIA's bullpen struggled again.

Samsung's defense in the later innings was different from last year. In the seventh, they brought in left-handed Baek Jeong-hyeon to retire the side. In the eighth, Lee Jae-hee came in and allowed the first batter to walk, but he struck out Na Sung-bum and Choi Hyung-woo consecutively, and stopped Lee Woo-sung with a groundout to third base. In the ninth, Kim Jae-yoon took the mound and handled the inning without allowing any runs, securing the victory. There was no repeat of last year’s second half comeback loss.

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