Right-hander Lee Jae-hee delivered two scoreless relief innings for the Samsung Lions in a 6-4 victory over the Kia Tigers during Game 3 of the KBO postseason playoff series at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, as reported by Starnews Korea. The performance stabilized a depleted Samsung bullpen following the loss of closer Kim Jae-yoon, who was diagnosed with a season-ending anterior tibial muscle injury requiring two weeks of rest.
Stepping Up After a Shaky Start
Samsung turned to its bullpen early after starting pitcher Choi Won-tae surrendered two runs over just 1 and 2/3 innings. Following a relief appearance by left-hander Bae Chan-seon, Lee took the mound in the fourth inning protecting a narrow 3-2 lead.
Lee maintained his composure through the fifth frame by striking out Kim Ho-ryung with three pitches.
Samsung manager Park Jin-man praised the right-hander’s composure after the match. “Lee Jae-hee was making his postseason debut, so he must have felt a lot of pressure, but he held his ground for two innings,” Park said, as reported by Starnews Korea. “Because Won-tae exited early, we had to activate the bullpen quickly, and he played his proper role.”
An Unlikely Postseason Path
Lee’s contribution in October marked a sharp turnaround from his regular-season trajectory. As recently as September, manager Park expressed doubt over whether Lee, Choi Ji-kwang, and Kim Mu-sin would return to the active roster before the end of the regular campaign due to injuries. Lee managed only 21 appearances during the regular season, posting a 2.25 ERA.
After rejoining the first team on Oct. 6, Lee rounded into form just in time to earn a spot on his first career fall baseball roster. Nicknamed a “Shohei Ohtani replica” by observers due to his emulation of the Los Angeles Dodgers star’s pitching mechanics and choice of uniform number, Lee translated that preparation into vital outs.
With the 6-4 win, Samsung grabbed a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five playoff series, placing the club one victory away from advancing to the Korean Series.
