Samsung Lions Take Series Lead Over KT Wiz in KBO Finals
Samsung secures a 2-1 series advantage after a decisive victory in Game 3.
1Samsung Gains Series Momentum
The Samsung Lions secured a 2-1 lead in the 2026 KBO Korean Series by defeating the KT Wiz 5-1 in Game 3. After losing the opening game, Samsung won two consecutive matches at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. They now aim for their first championship title since the 2014 season.
2Historical Statistical Advantage
History favors the Lions, as teams that win Game 3 after a 1-1 series tie have historically gone on to win the championship 88.9% of the time. Specifically, 16 out of 18 teams in this position have claimed the title, strengthening Samsung's path toward ending their 12-year championship drought.
3Dominant Pitching Performance
Samsung starter Jurado delivered a stellar performance, pitching seven innings while allowing only one run on six hits. He struck out six batters and threw 108 pitches. Throughout this postseason, Jurado remains undefeated with three wins and a 1.31 ERA, having allowed only three runs over 20.2 innings pitched.
4KT Wiz Early Lead
KT Wiz initially took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Sam Hilliard hit a double to drive in Kim Min-hyuk. However, the team struggled to capitalize on their seven hits throughout the game, failing to produce a decisive offensive blow against Samsung’s pitching staff during critical scoring opportunities.
5Samsung’s Offensive Response
Samsung responded immediately in the first inning with an RBI single from Choi Hyung-woo. After KT starter So Hyeong-jun struggled with control, walking three batters, Kim Sung-yoon drove in a run, followed by a two-run triple from Koo Ja-wook. Park Seung-gyu later added a solo home run in the eighth.
6So Hyeong-jun’s Struggles
KT starter So Hyeong-jun faced significant difficulties, issuing five walks within the first two innings. Although he stabilized later, the damage was done, and he finished with four runs allowed on three hits and five walks over six innings, ultimately being credited with the loss in the Game 3 defeat.
7Individual Records and Attendance
Despite the loss, KT’s Kim Hyun-soo reached a milestone by appearing in his 109th postseason game, tying Hong Sung-heon for the most appearances in KBO history. Meanwhile, the game was a sellout with 23,550 spectators, marking the 49th consecutive postseason game to sell out since the 2023 Korean Series.
8Looking Toward Game Four
The series continues with Game 4 scheduled for October 7 at 2:00 PM in Daegu. Samsung has announced Jang Chan-hee as their starting pitcher, while KT Wiz will counter with Logan Allen. Both teams are preparing for a pivotal matchup that could either extend the series or push Samsung closer.
Original article: Kyunghyang — Samsung Lions Take Series Lead Over KT Wiz in KBO Finals