What happened in Game 2?

LG Twins outfielder Lee Jae-won, nicknamed the "Jamsil Big Boy," struck out in all four plate appearances on October 18 in Game 2 of the 2026 KBO League semi-playoff against the KIA Tigers at Gwangju KIA Champions Field. Lee started in right field batting sixth, getting his first playoff start of the postseason with veteran Hong Chang-ki sitting out.

How did Lee struggle at the plate?

Lee swung and missed through much of the game. He struck out swinging against pitcher Ollie in the second inning and again in the fifth. In the sixth, with two outs and a runner on first, he whiffed three times against a slider that broke well out of the zone. In the eighth, with two outs and runners on first and second, he fouled off a mistake slider on the first pitch but could not make solid contact on the next two, and struck out swinging. Across two games, he is 0-for-5 with five strikeouts.

What did the managers and pitchers say?

Asked whether he considered sending a pinch hitter for Lee in that eighth-inning at-bat, LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said he had seen "a chance for one big hit." KIA reliever Jeon Sang-hyun, who came in during that frame, said Lee is a hitter who can change a game with one swing, so he pitched carefully, and he called the first pitch a dangerous mistake that surprised him.

What happens next for Lee?

Yeom said Lee is in an experience-building stage during the season. Once the season ends, he plans to focus heavily on the areas Lee needs to improve during fall camp training.

For international fans

Lee Jae-won is known in Korea as a power-hitting outfielder. Playoff games in the KBO are often broadcast internationally through official league channels and regional sports platforms, so check local listings for live coverage of the series.