The season's first hit came at the most crucial time. It provided runs when we needed them.

Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man praised catcher Kim Jae-seong, who belatedly reported his first hit of the season. Kim Jae-seong started as the 8th batter in a home game against the KIA Tigers at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 23rd, achieving 2 hits and 3 RBIs in 3 at-bats.

With a 0-2 deficit, he hit a single to center in the second inning with two outs and runners on second and third, bringing everyone home. It was his first hit in 413 days since the game against KIA in Gwangju on April 5th last year. In the fourth inning, trailing 2-3, he also tied the game at 3-3 with a single to left-center in a scoring opportunity with one out and runners on second and third.

Ahead of the game on the 24th, manager Park Jin-man met with reporters and noted, "If Kim Jae-seong performs as well as he did yesterday, it will be a great help when rest is needed for catcher Kang Min-ho. I hope he continues to do well."

Samsung lost the previous game 6-7, failing to achieve a four-game winning streak. Although it was a disappointing loss, there were positive aspects. Manager Park Jin-man said, "We effectively targeted opposing starter James Naile. We even took the lead with substitute starter Hwang Dong-jae, so from a content perspective, it was a competitive game."

Park Jin-man did not forget to praise Kim Young-woong, who recorded 3 hits, 2 RBIs, and 3 runs scored, including a two-run home run in the 8th inning. He observed, "Since the game at Gocheok, his hitting has begun to improve. He is swinging well, and the results are showing in the Gocheok away games. Young players tend to improve significantly once they start to get into the groove."

Manager Park Jin-man emphasized, "With Koo Ja-wook's hitting not in good form, Kim Young-woong needs to support Lewin Diaz in his role."

Meanwhile, Samsung, starting left-handed pitcher Lee Seung-hyun, configured its lineup with designated hitter Kim Ji-chan, center fielder Kim Sung-yoon, left fielder Koo Ja-wook, first baseman Lewin Diaz, third baseman Kim Young-woong, catcher Kang Min-ho, second baseman Ryu Ji-hyuk, right fielder Park Seung-kyu, and shortstop Yang Do-geun.

Samsung made changes to its first-team roster. Outfielder Kim Heon-gon was dropped, and outfielder Kim Tae-hoon was called up to the first team.

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