Daegu: Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man is maintaining his confidence in the team's lineup as they prepare for their third consecutive postseason game against the Hanwha Eagles. Despite recent challenges faced by team captain Koo Ja-wook, Park is opting to retain the same batting order that has secured 23 hits and 15 runs over the past two games of the series.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Lions' No. 3 hitter, Koo Ja-wook, has struggled recently, going 0-for-7 with two strikeouts. Koo's regular season in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) was strong, with a batting line of .319/.402/.516, including 19 homers and 96 RBIs. However, he has yet to find his form in the postseason, with no hits in the wild card round and a 4-for-14 performance in the subsequent stage.

Ahead of Tuesday's Game 3, Park expressed his continued faith in Koo during a media session at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. "He is an essential part of our team," Park stated, emphasizing Koo's potential impact on the game.

The Lions' lineup includes seven left-handed batters who previously succeeded against the Eagles' right-handed pitchers, Cody Ponce and Ryan Weiss. Despite facing left-hander Ryu Hyun-jin in Game 3, Park remains committed to the established strategy. "Our hitters are in great form, and I decided it would be better if we stuck to what has been working," Park explained.

Reflecting on past encounters with Ryu, Park recalled facing him as an opposing hitter during postseasons in 2006 and 2007. "He had dominant stuff, and he had great command of all of his pitches," Park noted. "Now that he is a bit older, hopefully he won't be as good against us tonight."