Daegu:The Kia Tigers secured a commanding 5-1 victory against the Samsung Lions in Game 1 of the second round of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. Despite two home runs powering the offense, Tigers manager Lee Bum-ho credited the bullpen for their pivotal role in the win.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Tigers' bullpen stepped up after starter James Naile was ejected for hitting Park Seung-kyu with a fastball. With Naile having allowed only one hit before his ejection, the bullpen had to quickly adapt. Jung Hai-young was the first reliever called upon and managed to limit the Lions to an RBI single, which ended up being their last hit of the game.

The Tigers' bullpen continued to shine with left-hander Lee Eui-lee earning the win by striking out three batters over 1 1/3 innings. Cho Sang-woo and Kwak Do-gyu effectively managed the seventh and eighth innings, while Jeon Sang-hyun closed the game with a flawless ninth inning.

Offensively, the Tigers were driven by Harold Castro and Han Jun-su, each contributing a home run. Key performances from the middle lineup, including two hits from Kim Do-yeong and three from Castro, proved essential. However, the top of the order struggled, going hitless with four strikeouts.

On the opposing side, Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man acknowledged the need for lineup changes after his team managed only two singles. Despite a lackluster performance from starter Chris Paddack, who conceded five runs over 4 2/3 innings, Park found encouragement in the bullpen's scoreless relief efforts.

The Tigers and Lions are set to face off again, with both managers considering adjustments to improve their teams' performances in the next game.