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‘I got lucky’: Lions outfielder celebrates return after busy day on field

Published: 29 Apr. 2026, 09:00 Updated: 29 Apr. 2026, 10:43

Samsung Lions' Kim Seong-yoon hits during a game with the Doosan Bears at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa District, southern Seoul, on April 28. [YONHAP]

With his uniform all dirty after an action-filled Tuesday night on the field, Samsung Lions outfielder Kim Seong-yoon counted his blessings for a string of lucky moments.

Kim batted 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored to help the Lions beat the Doosan Bears 5-4 at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa District, southern Seoul.

It was his first game since April 4, with his oblique injury now behind him.

He delivered a tiebreaking single in the top of the 10th inning that put the Lions up 4-3 and then stole second base before scoring the 5-3 run.

The win stopped the Lions' losing skid at seven games.

“I missed several games last year due to injuries, and I really wanted to play all 144 games this season," Kim said. "It was frustrating to have to miss time again this year. I am glad I was able to play at least a small part in snapping our losing streak today."

Before the game, Lions manager Park Jin-man said he was hoping Kim would provide a much-needed spark for the lineup that had produced only 14 runs during their seven-game slide.

When informed of the comment after the game, Kim smiled and said, "I don't really have a big role on the team. I am happy to help the team in any small way I can."

Kim was being modest. Last year, he ranked third in the KBO with a .331 batting average and led the league with nine triples. He also ranked in the top 10 in hits, doubles, steals and runs. There is no denying his importance to the Lions.

While Kim was pleased with his results, he wasn't so pleased with the process. Even on his go-ahead single in the 10th off left-hander Lee Byeong-heon, Kim said he was not happy with the quality of contact he made.

Samsung Lions' Kim Seong-yoon during a game with the Doosan Bears at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa District, southern Seoul, on April 28. [YONHAP]

“I was not satisfied with the way I swung the bat there," Kim said. "I'd rather have a well-hit ball get caught by a fielder. I believe that even if you don't always get the results you want, you have to have a good process in order to stay consistent. I just didn't have the good process today, but they say baseball is all about getting lucky at the right time."

Kim said he enjoyed another lucky moment later in that 10th inning. He admitted he had very little left in his tank after stealing second, but had to "grit my teeth and run as hard as I could" when Choi Hyoung-woo singled to left field.

The throw home appeared to beat Kim to the plate, but catcher Yang Eui-ji dropped the ball on the tag.

“I basically blacked out. My teammates teased me that it looked like someone was pulling me from behind," Kim said with a laugh. "I was already exhausted standing on second base. I thought I was going to be thrown out at home, but got really lucky there, too."

Even with the Lions mired in a long skid and the team looking to him to be the savior, with other veterans also out with injuries, Kim said he didn't feel any pressure to deliver.

“I didn't think the vibe in the clubhouse was that bad," he said. "If anything, it was pretty good. So I was able to just go out and have fun today."

Yonhap