Daegu: The Samsung Lions eliminated the SSG Landers in their Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason series Tuesday with two late home runs by sluggers Lewin Diaz and Lee Jae-hyeon. But their dingers ended up mattering only because their bullpen bent and did not break moments earlier in the game. Efforts by two young and unproven relievers, Bae Chan-seung and Lee Ho-sung, were not lost on the winning manager Park Jin-man.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Park expressed his gratitude towards the young relievers, stating, "They pitched really well in a tough spot, and they saved me and the team," following the 5-2 victory in Game 4 of the first-round series at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the southeastern city of Daegu. The Lions claimed the best-of-five showdown in four games.

The Lions took a 2-0 lead into the top eighth in Game 4 of the best-of-five series at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the southeastern city of Daegu. However, after reliever Kim Tae-hoon gave up a leadoff walk, the situation quickly escalated. Park swiftly called on pitcher Lee Seung-hyun, who allowed a pinch-hit single to Oh Tae-gon and then a game-tying double to Park Seong-han. Park Seong-han advanced to third on a throwing error, positioning him as the go-ahead run with no outs.

With the Landers' top hitters approaching the plate, manager Park turned to rookie Bae Chan-seung, who delivered by securing two crucial strikeouts. The manager then brought in righty reliever Lee Ho-sung to face right-handed slugger Ko Myeong-jun, ending Ko's three-game homer streak with a flyout against Lee.

The game remained tied at 2-2 entering the bottom eighth, until Diaz and Lee Jae-hyeon hit back-to-back home runs, securing the Lions' 5-2, series-clinching victory. When questioned about his decision to use Bae against right-handed Guillermo Heredia, Park explained, "I felt we needed a pitcher who could dominate the opposing hitter with a runner at third. Chan-seung has that ability to strike out batters, and he did just that against Heredia."

The bullpen's earlier lapse almost overshadowed an impressive performance by starter Ariel Jurado, who pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out nine batters, allowing only two hits. This effort came just days after Jurado allowed a walk-off home run in a Game 2 loss.

"He had some tough moments earlier in the postseason but pitched really well today," Park noted. "I can't wait to see what more he can do for the rest of the postseason."

Diaz, who led all players in the regular season with 50 home runs and 158 RBIs, hit his first postseason homer at a crucial moment for the Lions. "He played like the home run king that he is," Park said. "I hope he can keep hitting for power in the next series."

Next, the Lions will face the Hanwha Eagles in the second round starting Friday. While the Landers had the best bullpen in the regular season, the Eagles boast the best starting rotation. "We have to get to their starters," Park mentioned. "We don't have much time, but we'll have to do our best to analyze their pitchers and prepare for the new series."

Landers manager Lee Sung-yong reflected on his team's offensive struggles, with Heredia, Choi Jeong, and Han Yoo-seom, their No. 2-3-4 hitters, combining for a 1-for-10 performance. "I think our offense peaked in September and then cooled off in October. We were not able to get it back up," Lee commented. "This is a bitter pill to swallow. I told the team that we have to remember this feeling and try to take the next step. I want to thank our veterans for leading the way, and I am sure this was a good learning experience for our younger players."