"Let’s Take on Ponce" — Samsung Responds with Strategy... Garabito Named Game 1 Starter

[Financial News] The Samsung Lions have made an unexpected strategic move in professional baseball.
In Game 1 of the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO postseason playoffs (best-of-five series) to be held on the 17th at Hanwha Eagles, foreign pitcher Herson Garabito will take the mound as the starter.
Initially, Choi Won-tae was considered the likely candidate. On the 9th, he delivered a flawless performance in Game 1 of the semi-playoffs against the SSG Landers, pitching six innings with two hits, one walk, eight strikeouts, and no runs allowed. In contrast, Garabito appeared less steady in Game 2 on the 11th, giving up three runs (two earned) over six innings. Choi Won-tae also had two more days of rest, making him the logical choice in terms of both condition and rotation. However, the Samsung Lions coaching staff thought differently.

Samsung’s decision was not made on impulse. Manager Park Jin-man and his coaching staff had already mapped out scenarios before Game 4 of the semi-playoffs. If they clinched the series in Game 4, Garabito would start Game 1 of the playoffs; if it went to Game 5, they would go all out.
As it turned out, Samsung defeated SSG 5-2 in Game 4, securing their playoff spot as planned, and immediately activated the 'Garabito card.'
A Samsung representative explained, "Garabito threw 88 pitches on the 11th and then rested for five days. We are confident he will be in top condition on the 17th. Choi Won-tae, meanwhile, will have over ten days of rest, but as he is excellent at maintaining his form, he is better suited for use after Game 2."

The decisive factor was head-to-head records. This season, Garabito faced Hanwha twice, recording one win and no losses with a 0.00 ERA. The Hanwha lineup failed to score a single run against him.
In contrast, Choi Won-tae struggled against Hanwha, posting two losses and a 4.05 ERA.
Based on this data, Manager Park Jin-man countered Hanwha’s ace Cody Ponce—who represents a straightforward approach—with a direct strategy of his own.
This decision factored in Garabito’s powerful pitching, bullpen flexibility, and his strong record against Hanwha. Notably, if the playoffs extend to Game 5, Garabito could pitch again after five days’ rest, or be available as a bullpen option in Games 3 or 4 if needed.
Hanwha will start ace Cody Ponce, while Samsung relies on Garabito. Both foreign pitchers have been pillars for their teams during the regular season, making Game 1 a pivotal "first showdown of autumn." As Samsung’s bold move faces Hanwha’s conventional strategy, the stage is set for Garabito’s autumn to begin.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter