'KIM Do-young set the table; Castro cashed in' — KIA wins its first playoff game in 24 years, seizes a 77% edge in the race to the Korean Series

[Financial News] The Tigers’ relentless advance continued even in enemy territory in Daegu. The KIA Tigers overwhelmed their opponents in Game 1 of the best-of-five playoff series, putting themselves in a strong position to reach the Korean Series for the first time in two years, with a 77.1% chance of advancing.
KIA beat the Samsung Lions 5-1 on the road in Game 1 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League postseason playoffs at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 26th, powered by Harold Castro’s three-RBI performance and a string of scoreless outings from the bullpen.
Of the 35 best-of-five playoff series played to date, the team that won Game 1 went on to reach the Korean Series 27 times (77.1%). KIA earned its first playoff win in 24 years, since Game 4 against the LG Twins in October 2002, and made a flying start toward its 12th overall championship.

The momentum swung KIA’s way from the first inning. With two outs in the top of the first, KIM Do-young drew a walk and stole second to put himself in scoring position. Cleanup hitter Castro followed with an RBI single to right, scoring the game’s first run. Castro advanced to third on a throwing error by the opposing right fielder, then scored on Na Sung-bum’s ensuing double down the left-field line to make it 2-0.
Riding that momentum, KIA set the table again with two outs in the top of the third when KIM Do-young singled to left. Castro came to the plate and, after a tenacious nine-pitch battle with Samsung starter Chris Fedde, launched a two-run homer to right to extend the lead to 4-0. In the top of the fourth, leadoff hitter Han Jun-soo also sent a solo homer over the right-field wall, effectively deciding the game. Daily MVP honors went to Castro, who went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs.

The biggest setback for KIA, which had been cruising, came in the bottom of the fifth. Starter James Naile, who had allowed just one hit and no runs over 41⁄3 innings, hit Samsung’s Park Seung-kyu’s helmet with one out and was automatically ejected under the rules for a hit to the head.
KIA’s dugout did not waver despite the sudden loss of its ace. Jung Hae-young, brought in on short notice, gave up an RBI single to Kim Young-woong but put out the immediate threat by striking out Lee Jae-hyun after an 11-pitch battle. The bullpen then turned to Lee Eui-lee (1⅓ scoreless innings, winning pitcher), Cho Sang-woo (1⅓ scoreless innings), Kwak Do-gyu (1⁄3 scoreless inning) and Jeon Sang-hyun (one scoreless inning). The relief corps completely shut down Samsung’s lineup over the remaining innings to preserve the 5-1 win.

Samsung, which finished second in the regular season and had taken a lengthy two-week break, could not avoid the “backfire from rest.” Its offense was held to a mere two hits, and No. 1 starter Fedde also faltered, allowing five runs on five hits, including two home runs, over 42⁄3 innings as Samsung suffered a limp first loss at home.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter