 Samsung Lions players, the defending champions, celebrate their 3-1 victory against the SK Wyverns at the Daegu Baseball Station Wednesday in the best-of-seven Korean Series. / Yonhap |
By Jung Min-ho
Boosted by Lee Seung-yeop’s two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning, the Samsung Lions defeated the SK Wyverns 3-1 Wednesday night to get a head start in the first game of the best-of-seven Korean Series.
At the Daegu Baseball Stadium packed with 10,000 home fans, the defending champions responded aggressively to the Wyverns’ challenge with slugger Lee’s blast, which seemed a repeat of what he did 10 years ago in the Korean Series against the LG Twins.
Bae Young-seob extended the lead by making a two-base hit to allow Kang Myung-goo from second base to reach the home plate in the seventh inning. With closing pitcher Oh Seung-whan preserving the shutout to the end, the Lions celebrated a night victory.
“I’m glad that I hit the winning home run,” Lee said. “I thought it was critical to get the first run for a victory. And when I hit the unexpected home run, I became sure about our win.”
The Wyverns saw hope in second baseman Jeong Keun-woo, the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs’ second round, touched home base thanks to Lee Ho-joon’s hit in the fourth inning. Despite his decent performance with two hits and one steal, however, the Wyverns had to swallow their pride after their dramatic come-from-behind win against the Lotte Giants Monday.
With the result, starter Yoon Sung-hwan earned the victory after throwing 5 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and a run.
“I’m so glad to win the first game, especially with Lee’s home run. Pitcher Yoon swept aside my concern as well,” Lions manager Ryu Joong-il said. “I feel nonetheless disappointed about the hitting performance. I expect tomorrow will be better.”
Lee, the MVP of the match, hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning when his team was three runs behind the Twins in 2002. Thanks to next hitter Ma Hae-young’s single home run, the Lions beat the Twins 10-9 to take their first Korean Series crown.
“Our players did a fine job. But Lee’s two-run home run was critical,” Wyverns manager Lee Man-soo said. “We’ll be more prepared for the next game.”
In 29 previous Korean Series, the winner of the opening game took the title 23 times, which seems promising for the Lions’ sixth title overall. The Wyverns are aiming for their fourth.
For the second showdown to be held today at 6 p.m., Jang Won-sam will take the mound for the Lions, while Mario Santiago will start for the Wyverns.
