Samsung wins 2nd straight series against top-ranked LG

The Samsung Lions earned a complete-game victory over the No. 1 team behind a strong pitching performance from Baek Jeong-hyun and a big bat from Koo Ja-uk.

Samsung won the final game of its midweek three-game series against LG 4-2 at Lions Park in Daegu on Sunday, completing its second consecutive sweep of the second half of the season against top-ranked LG. The team improved its overall record against LG from 1-8 in the first half to 5-10.

Baek Jung-hyun won his seventh win of the season with his third consecutive victory in his nemesis matchup with Kelly. Koo led the offense with four hits and three RBIs, including his sixth home run of the season. Ryu Ji-hyeok also went 3-for-4 with three RBI and a stolen base in the win.

LG was unable to complete the sweep due to a series of unfortunate errors at the plate.

Samsung returns shortstop, LG gets one more day of rest

Samsung's starting lineup was Kim Hyun-jun (center field), Kim Sung-yoon (left field), Goo Ja-uk (right field), Pirela (designated hitter), Ryu Ji-hyuk (first base), Kang Kang-ul (third base), Kim Dong-jin (second base), Lee Jae-hyun (shortstop), and Kim Jae-sung (catcher).

Lee Jae-hyun started at shortstop after shaking off shoulder pain after three games. Kim Dong-jin moved to second base and Ryu Ji-hyuk moved to first base. Oh Jae-il, who hasn't been hitting well, was left out. Kang Min-ho had the day off. Kim Jae-sung joined Baek Jung-hyun at catcher.

LG's lineup was Hong Chang-ki (right fielder), Shin Min-jae (second baseman), Kim Hyun-soo (designated hitter), Austin (first baseman), Moon Bo-kyung (third baseman), Kim Min-sung (shortstop), Park Dong-won (catcher), Moon Sung-joo (left fielder), and Park Hae-min (center fielder).

Oh was out of the starting lineup for the entire series. LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said of Oh, who even practiced before the game, "I rested until today. If he's out for a month, he could be out for a month," and remained vigilant about the injury worsening.

▶Kelly scapegoats Guzauk for his no-hitter the day before.

Leadoff hitter Koo Ja-ook had gone 0-for-4 the day before. The next day, he took it out on LG starter Casey Kelly.

Samsung failed to capitalize on a leadoff single and back-to-back stolen bases in the bottom of the second inning.

But in the top of the third, Kim Hyun-jun and Kim Sung-yoon set the table with back-to-back singles. Koo Ja-rook singled up the middle to score the go-ahead run.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Ryu Ji-hyuk singled and stole a game-high three bases, but he was unable to capitalize on a bunt single.

In the ominous top of the fifth, Lee Jae-hyun and Kim Hyun-joon kept Baek Jeong-hyun scoreless.

And in the bottom of the fifth inning. Koo came through again. With two on and one out, she pulled a 144-kilometer pitch from Kelly over the right field fence. A two-run homer to make it 3-0. It was the 16th player in history to reach the 100-hit mark in nine consecutive seasons.

Samsung extended its lead to 4-0 in the sixth inning when Ryu Ji-hyeok led off with an infield single and came around to score on Lee Jae-hyun's double to left field.

Koo completed the four-hit performance with an RBI single to right in the seventh.

LG's pitching staff faltered at crucial moments... But came from behind...

LG struggled to capitalize on Samsung starter Baek Jung-hyun's changeup.

Val was also a problem. In the third inning, with runners on first and second, Hong Chang-ki was tagged out by Baek Jung-hyun. In the fourth inning, 0-1, Austin was thrown out trying to steal second base.

Trailing 0-4 in the top of the seventh inning, LG seemed to start its comeback with Austin's 16th solo home run of the season.

Moon Bo-kyung's shot deflected off Baek Jeong-hyun's glove, and a wild pitch and an infield single loaded the bases. Things were looking ominous for Samsung.

However, Moon was tagged out at third base on Kim Min-sung's deep fly ball to center field. His sliding right leg of him went up and he was tagged naturally by the third baseman's glove. It was an unlucky play.

▶Four days off, but..., it's showtime, and LG gets caught.

Samsung starter Baek Jeong-hyun pitched the longest inning he could on four days' rest.

He allowed one run on six hits with one walk and one strikeout in 6⅔ innings to improve to 7-5 on the season, his third straight win since July 30 against Gochuk Kiwoom. He mixed a slider, changeup, and curveball with a fastball that topped out at 141 mph to take away the LG bats' timing. LG's third straight win since May 12 against Daegu.

Meanwhile, "Samsung Killer" Kelly got a quality start with 6 innings, 10 hits, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts, and 4 runs (2 earned), but couldn't get any offensive or defensive support and lost for the seventh time this season (7 losses). It ended Samsung's seven-game winning streak and five-game road winning streak.

Samsung manager Park Jin-man said after the game, "Despite the fact that Baek Jeong-hyun was starting after four days of rest, he pitched a perfect game and helped the team win. The bullpen also did their part to secure the victory, said Park. "Koo's home run was the turning point in the game, and the players became more focused afterwards. I can't help but talk about Ryu Ji-hyeok, and in a word, I would like to evaluate him as a player who plays like a role model, showing that this is how baseball is played." 토토