Samsung Lions handed the Kia Tigers a 6-1 defeat in Game 5 of the KBO postseason second round at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on Sunday, sending the Lions into the Korean Series and prompting Tigers manager Lee Bum‑ho to pledge a stronger comeback next season.
In the decisive game, Ariel Jurado threw seven innings of two‑run ball, giving up only five hits and one unearned run. Jurado earned the series MVP title and the victory provided his team a first berth in the Korean Series since 2014. According to Yonhap, Jurado exclaimed after the game,
"I am so happy with this award. I honestly didn’t expect this."
Lee Bum‑ho, who began his managerial career with the Kia Tigers last season, lost his first postseason series after falling to the Lions. Lee thanked the team for their hard work in the postseason, saying it had been a long stretch and that the club would learn from the experience to improve next year. According to Yonhap, Lee told reporters,
"It has been a long postseason and I want to thank my players for their hard work. We will try to come back stronger next year so that we can contend for the title."
The Tigers had swept the LG Twins in the first round before winning Game 4 to force a Game 5. However, the Lions dominated the final game, scoring three runs in the second inning and never relinquishing the lead. With the win, the Lions advance to face KT Wiz in a best‑of‑seven championship that begins Tuesday at KT Wiz Park in Suwon.
