KIA Tigers manager Lee Bum-ho expressed high expectations for the performances of his top-of-the-order batters.

Ahead of Game 1 of the semi-playoffs (best-of-five series) against the LG Twins at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field today (October 17), Manager Lee said, "The leadoff and second-spot hitters are the most important, so I structured the lineup with players who can handle the game with precision." He added, "I think the outcome of the game will be decided by how batters 1 through 5 perform."

KIA's starting lineup features Park Jaehyun (left fielder), Kim Sun-bin (designated hitter), Doyoung Kim (third baseman), Harold Castro (first baseman), Na Sung-bum (right fielder), Kim Kyu-sung (second baseman), Kim Ho-ryung (center fielder), Kim Tae-goon (catcher), and Ha Joo-suk (shortstop).

Manager Lee explained, "Park Jeongwoo is suffering from mild flu-like symptoms and is unable to start, which made me deliberate over the second batting spot." He added, "I figured Kim Sun-bin has plenty of experience in big games, making him a better choice to connect opportunities to the heart of the lineup."

Regarding LG Manager Yeom Gyeong-yeop's declaration that he will shut down superstar Doyoung Kim in the semi-playoffs, Lee said, "He probably said that because Doyoung is the core of our lineup, but we have prepared accordingly," and expressed confidence, saying, "Castro and Na Sung-bum will definitely do their jobs."

He also emphasized, "In the postseason, players who hit well in the first game often carry that momentum into the subsequent matches, so hitting performance in the opening game is crucial," urging his cleanup and core hitters to step up.

Manager Lee further revealed his pitching plans for Game 2, stating, "Since James Nail has experienced big games in Korean baseball, I thought it was right to pitch him as the starter for Game 1 of the semi-playoffs." He added, "Adam Oller's stuff is also good, but seeing Nail pitch first is expected to create a synergistic effect for Oller."

Keisho Shirakawa and Yang Hyeon-jong will take the mound as the 3rd and 4th starters, while Hwang Dong-ha will operate out of the bullpen.

(Photo: Yonhap News)