The Samsung Lions are one step away from a Korea Series championship in 12 years, a feat secured in large part by the clutch performance of relief pitcher Lee Jae-hyeok. Trailing 7-4 with the bases loaded and one out in the fifth inning, Lee entered the game and shut down the KT Wiz, pitching 2.2 scoreless innings to secure a 10-5 victory in Game 4 of the 2026 KBO Korea Series on November 7, as reported by MK Sports.
This win gives the Lions a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Lions advanced to the Korea Series by defeating the Kia Tigers 3-2 in the playoff round after finishing the regular season second in the league with an 83-3-58 record.
Lee’s Dominant Relief Performance
Lee’s entry into the game marked a critical turning point. Facing a full house with a single out, he immediately asserted his dominance. He struck out Kim Sang-soo to escape the jam without allowing a run, then induced a flyout from Heo Kyung-min to end the threat. Lee retired all seven batters he faced in the fifth and sixth innings, striking out the side in the sixth against Han Seong-jae and Ryu Hyun-jin before coaxing a flyout from Choi Won-jun.
He completed his scoreless appearance in the seventh inning, striking out Jang Jin-hyeok and inducing groundouts from Ahn Hyun-min and Sam Dull. For his stellar work, Lee was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. His final line was impressive: 2.2 innings pitched, four strikeouts, zero runs allowed, on just 33 pitches.
“In a critical situation, Lee Jae-hyeok was exceptionally composed,” Samsung manager Park Jin-man said after the game, as cited by the team. “Today’s MVP was Lee Jae-hyeok.”
A Partnership with Veteran Catcher Min-ho Kang
Behind Lee’s dominant performance was the guidance of veteran catcher Kang Min-ho. Lee credited his catcher’s simple yet effective strategy for his success.
“Kang Min-ho hyung said, ‘The pitch is good, just throw it down the middle—even if they get a hit,'” Lee recalled with a smile. “The result turned out to be good. I didn’t feel it was that difficult. I just focused on getting one out, and it worked out well.”
Lee added that Kang’s encouragement boosted his confidence in his pitches. “Thanks to the encouragement from Min-ho hyung, I’ve become more confident in my own stuff,” he explained. “I believe it’s better to let them hit a home run than to walk them. It helps the defense more. Fortunately, it led to a good result.”
Rising Star’s Path to the Big Stage
Selected by the Samsung Lions in the second round of the 2021 draft, Lee Jae-hyeok has established himself as a promising right-handed pitcher with a heavy fastball and a sharp slider. His development improved after completing his mandatory military service with the Sangmu team from 2023 to 2024.
Over 39 career appearances, totaling 54.2 innings, Lee has a record of 1-3 with one save and seven holds, posting an ERA of 3.79. However, he has shown remarkable growth in the 2024 season. In 21 appearances, he has accumulated one win, one save, and three holds across 16 innings, lowering his ERA to 2.25. His performance in the high-pressure environment of the Korea Series solidifies his position as a key part of Samsung’s bullpen.
Next Step for the Lions
With a 3-1 series lead, the Samsung Lions are on the cusp of ending a 12-year championship drought. They will look to close out the KT Wiz in Game 5, scheduled to be played at Daegu Samsung Lions Park.
Samsung Lions Need One More Win
How many wins does Samsung need to clinch the Korea Series?
The Samsung Lions need just one more win to secure the championship, as they currently hold a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Who was the MVP of Game 4?
Relief pitcher Lee Jae-hyeok was named the Most Valuable Player for his 2.2 scoreless innings of work, which helped the Lions secure the victory.
When and where is the next game?
The next game, Game 5 of the 2026 KBO Korea Series, is scheduled to be played at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. The date and exact start time will be confirmed by the league.
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