‘.400 hitter’ KIM Do-young vs. Jurado aiming for two wins: Playoff MVP to be decided in fateful Game 5
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- 2026-10-31 19:00:00
- Updated
- 2026-10-31 19:00:00
[Financial News] The series is tied at 2-2. The 2026 playoff MVP award in the matchup between the Samsung Lions and Kia Tigers, both facing a do-or-die situation, is expected to go to the hero of the deciding fifth game. In this winner-take-all showdown, one clutch hit that secures a Korean Series berth or one stellar pitching performance that holds up in the most nerve-racking moments on the mound could lead straight to the MVP trophy.
The strongest MVP contenders so far are undoubtedly Kia’s KIM Do-young and Samsung’s Ariel Jurado.
KIM Do-young, the heart of Kia’s lineup, has carried the explosive form that earned him MVP honors in the preceding semi-playoffs straight into the playoffs. Despite the extreme physical toll of playing 153 games across the regular season and international competitions, he currently has the highest batting average of either team at .438. Defying concerns that he could run out of gas, he is raking; if he delivers the decisive blow in Game 5, he could complete the historic feat of winning MVP honors in both the semi-playoffs and playoffs in a single season. Other leading contenders include Han Jun-soo (.417), who delivered the go-ahead, game-winning hit in Game 4; Harold Castro, who leads the team with five RBIs; and closer Jeon Sang-hyun, who has one save and has posted an ERA of 0 in three appearances.
Meanwhile, Samsung, seeking a Korean Series berth on home turf, is pinning its hopes on Jurado. If Jurado, the winning pitcher in Game 2, also takes the mound as the starter in the deciding Game 5 and earns his second win of the series, he would surge to the top of the playoff MVP race as Samsung clinches a spot in the Korean Series.
Won Tae-in, on standby as an emergency bullpen option, already has one win and could earn recognition with a strong outing in Game 5. At the plate, veteran Choi Hyoung-woo has repeatedly broken records as the oldest player in fall baseball and leads the team with two home runs, while Ryu Ji-hyuk has bounced back to post the team’s highest batting average at .364. Reliever Lee Seung-min, a steadying presence in the bullpen with two holds in four games and a 2.08 ERA, is also a dark horse.
All the statistics and accumulated records are wiped clean in a winner-take-all Game 5. The decisive edge at Daegu Samsung Lions Park will determine who rules the fall of 2026.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter