19-year-old rookie pitcher Chan-hee Jang delivered a gutsy performance, steadying the Samsung Lions’ pitching staff and propelling them to a commanding 3-1 lead in the Korea Series.
The Lions defeated the KT Wiz 10-5 in Game 4 on October 7th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, securing their third win after a Game 1 loss.
The Lions’ decision to start Jang was a move born of necessity. With reliever Jae-yun Kim sidelined by injury and starter Won-tae Choi struggling in Game 1, manager Jin-man Park chose between Chan-hee Jang and Chang-sep Yang, ultimately tabbing the rookie. Jang, born on October 5, 2007, became the second-youngest starting pitcher in Korean Series history at 19 years, 1 month, and 2 days old.
The start was rocky, as Jang surrendered a solo home run to Jin-hyeok Jang in the top of the first inning. However, he quickly found his rhythm, retiring the side in order in both the second and third innings.
He also got key flyouts from Sang-su Kim and Gyeong-min Heo with runners on first and second in the fourth. Jang’s final line was four innings, two hits, two walks, one strikeout, and one earned run on 63 pitches.
After Jang’s exit, the Samsung bullpen wobbled. Reliever Satoshi Miyamori failed to record an out, allowing three runs in the fifth inning, and Chan-seung Bae also struggled with his control, narrowing the Lions’ lead from 7-1 to 7-4. With the bases loaded and one out, Park turned to Jee-hee Lee, who immediately stabilized the situation.
Lee struck out Sang-su Kim on a foul tip and got Gyeong-min Heo to fly out to second base. He then retired six consecutive batters via groundouts in the sixth and seventh innings, shutting down the KT rally.
Lee pitched 2⅔ innings, allowing no hits, no walks, and no runs while striking out four. He was named the winning pitcher and daily MVP for stabilizing the shaky bullpen after a big offensive output.
Following the game, manager Jin-man Park praised both Jang’s effective start and Lee’s ability to handle pressure, specifically highlighting Lee’s role in preventing further scoring when the game’s momentum could have shifted to KT. The Lions’ remaining task is just one more win. A victory at home would secure their first Korean Series championship since 2014.
Earlier coverage: Samsung Lions Rookie Jang Chan-hee to Start Game 4 of Korean Series
