'So Hyung-jun recovered command from 3rd inning, limiting bullpen use'

KT Wiz Manager Lee Kang-chul watches Game 2 of the 2026 Korean Series between Samsung Lions and KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park in Gyeonggi Province on Wednesday. [Yonhap]
KT Wiz Manager Lee Kang-chul watches Game 2 of the 2026 Korean Series between Samsung Lions and KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park in Gyeonggi Province on Wednesday. [Yonhap]

KT Wiz Manager Lee Kang-chul said the difference between the two starting pitchers decided the outcome after his team fell to Samsung Lions in Game 3 of the Korean Series.

Speaking after KT's 1-5 loss to Samsung in Game 3 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Korean Series — a best-of-seven — at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on Friday, Lee said Samsung starter Ariel Jurado pitched so well he barely threw a bad ball. "It wasn't that we couldn't hit," Lee said. "Their pitcher just threw well."

Lee cited early control problems from KT starter So Hyung-jun as a key reason for the defeat. So walked five batters in the first two innings alone, surrendering four runs.

"His balance broke down in the first inning and we lost the early battle," Lee said. "But from the third inning his command came back and he pitched well. It's a relief that he went through the sixth and kept our bullpen from being worn down too much."

KT won Game 1 but dropped Games 2 and 3 in succession, falling to 1-2 in the series.

Looking ahead to Game 4 on Saturday, Lee said he hoped starter Logan Allen would pitch well and that the offense would come alive.

Player fitness is also a concern. Lee said the team would need to check the following day on Ahn Hyun-min, who hurt his ankle during Friday's game.

Heo Gyeong-min, who missed Game 3, will also have his availability for Game 4 assessed on the day based on his condition. Lee said Choi Won-jun would be used as the designated hitter if healthy enough.


quq@heraldcorp.com