KIA Takes Early Control in Game 1 with Exploding Offense

[Anchor]

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) playoff series between Samsung and KIA, which was delayed by a day due to rain, has finally begun. KIA has taken control into the middle innings backed by a powerful offense.

For the current situation, let's turn to reporter Yu Byeongmin.

[Reporter]

With Samsung fans wearing matching light blue raincoats and visiting KIA fans in red uniforms packing the 23,550-seat Lions Park to capacity, KIA succeeded in seizing the early momentum.

In the top of the first inning with two outs, Kim Do-young drew a walk, successfully stole a base, and raced home at full speed on Castro's single to right field to score the game's first run.

Taking advantage of Samsung right fielder Kim Sung-yoon's reckless throwing error to home plate that allowed Castro to reach third safely, Na Sung-bum blasted an RBI double to extend the lead to 2-0.

In the third inning, Kim Do-young ignited the offense again with a bullet-like single to left field. Castro then took a 9th-pitch cutter from Samsung starting pitcher Fiers and launched a two-run homer over the right-field wall, roaring in celebration.

In the fourth inning, designated hitter Han Jun-su hit a solo shot to right field, making it 5-0.

The game, which had been firmly in KIA's control, was shaken up by a sudden variable.

KIA starting pitcher Neill, who had been pitching brilliantly with no runs allowed through four innings, was immediately ejected in the fifth inning with one out after hitting Park Seung-gyu with a pitch.

In a rush, Jung Hae-young hurried to warm up and took the mound for KIA, but allowed an RBI single to Kim Young-woong, letting Samsung close the gap.

(Video Editing: Hwang Ji-young)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.