It was a decisive blow that determined the outcome. Lewin Díaz (Samsung Lions infielder), currently leading in home runs worldwide, hit a two-run home run on the 27th against the Lotte Giants in Daegu.

On that day, Samsung showcased aggressive baseball in the second inning, bewildering the opposing starter Alec Gamboa, and successfully completed a big inning with four runs.

With additional runs needed to fend off Lotte's fierce rally, Díaz demonstrated his problem-solving instincts. In the bottom of the 7th, with Samsung leading 4-1, lead-off hitter Kim Ji-chan hit a double, followed by Lee Jae-hyun’s sacrifice bunt and Kim Seong-yoon’s single to add a run.

Now at bat is Díaz. After grounding out to second base in the first inning, striking out in the third, and being hit by a pitch in the fifth, Díaz launched a towering two-run home run against Lotte's left-handed pitcher Kim Jin-wook. Although he was in a tough spot with a ball count of 0 balls and 2 strikes, he pulled a slider on the third pitch and sent it into the right-field stands. 7-1.

Lotte closed the gap in the eighth inning when Víctor Reyes and Yoon Dong-hee hit timely hits, bringing it within four runs, but no dramatic situations unfolded. Thanks to Díaz's hit, it was an easy win.

Samsung defeated Lotte 7-3, achieving their third consecutive win since the game against the KIA Tigers in Daegu on the 24th. Manager Park Jin-man noted, “The additional runs scored from Kim Seong-yoon's timely hit and Díaz's home run in the later innings were crucial to the game.”

After the game, Díaz shared his thoughts through the club's official YouTube channel, 'Lions TV,' saying, “I am grateful to the heavens for being able to hit many home runs before June.”

After hitting the home run, Díaz entered the dugout and showcased a home run celebration by waving a flag depicting the face of a lion. This was a surprise idea from catcher Kang Min-ho. Kang Min-ho purchased the flag depicting the lion's face through overseas direct shipping, saying, “I bought it myself to lift the mood in the dugout when we hit a home run. Now I hope it lifts the atmosphere a bit more when we hit home runs.”

As the first person to initiate the flag ceremony, Díaz said, “I am very happy to be the first player to hold the flag. I will work hard to always be able to hold the flag.” Manager Park Jin-man could not hide his joy at Díaz's outstanding performance.

“He has already hit 20 home runs, and at this pace, he could even reach 50 home runs, not just 30. He showed a poor performance in the early part of the season but has overcome it well. Although Gu Ja-wook's batting pace is not great, Díaz has been playing a significant role. He has such great power that he can easily clear the fence even when he hits with power.”

Díaz, who set a goal of 40 home runs before this season, said, “I think I can increase that a bit more. However, I don’t plan to decide how many I will hit. I’m just as curious as anyone else about how many I’ll hit by the end of the season.”

[OSEN]