Tigers manager sticks to same lineup in KBO postseason elimination game

Daegu, Nov. 1 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man steers clear of extensive pep talks before crucial games, instead emphasizing the importance of having fun and playing energetically. Speaking ahead of a critical win-or-go-home postseason game against the Kia Tigers in Daegu Sunday, Park encouraged his team not to let the pressure intimidate them.

He affirmed that they are already performing well, and concise instructions are necessary for postseason success. The Lions and Tigers are currently tied at two games each in the best-of-five series.

After blowing a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the seventh inning during Game 4 against the Tigers on Friday in Gwangju, the Lions found solace in Kim Young-woong's steadiness at third base despite his fielding error that allowed the Tigers to score three runs. Park did not second-guess his lineup choice, stating that Kim was part of the lineup chosen to maximize their winning chances.

The Lions' advancing to the Korean Series, which commences Tuesday against the KT Wiz, hinges on this pivotal game. The Lions aim to exploit Adam Oller, the Tigers' starter, again, having previously scored five runs on five hits in Game 2. To gain momentum, Park stressed the urgency of scoring early and limiting Oller's effectiveness, hoping to eliminate him from the game early on.