After 4,373 days, Samsung has once again “recreated” the 8-game winning streak it achieved during its dynasty era of four consecutive unified championships. And on that very day, “Jaehyun” also returned. Samsung’s starting shortstop Lee Jae-hyun hit his first home run of the season on his first day back in the KBO League.
Lee started as the No. 8 hitter and shortstop in Samsung’s away game against LG at Jamsil Stadium on June 12, delivering a standout performance: 2 hits (1 home run) in 3 at-bats, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored, helping Samsung secure a 9-1 victory. With the win, Samsung improved to 22-1-14 and moved into second place, overtaking LG (22-15), which has now lost three straight. Samsung also narrowed the gap with league-leading KT (23-1-13) to just one game after KT lost 5-1 to SSG. Depending on the outcome of the three-game series against LG, Samsung could even claim the top spot.
Lee had been sidelined since June 21 after experiencing back pain during a game against SSG. He was diagnosed with a back inflammation and removed from the active roster on June 23. After 20 days of recovery, he was reinstated on June 12, just ahead of the three-game series against LG.
Manager Park Jin-man started Lee as the shortstop immediately. Before the game, Park shared their conversation: “Lee’s body condition is good, and he looks bright. I told him, ‘You’ve rested well, now get ready to play a full season.’” After the game, Lee said through the club, “It felt great that the manager told me to play a full season. I realized once again how grateful I am not to be injured.”
Lee admitted he was very nervous. Samsung had won all six games against Kiwoom and NC the previous week, carrying a seven-game winning streak. As the starting shortstop, he worried about losing on his return. “I just feel relieved that the winning streak wasn’t broken,” Lee said with relief.
Lee, who was selected in the first round of the 2022 rookie draft, became a full-time starter in his second season (2023). From 2023 to last season, he hit 12, 14, and 16 home runs respectively, earning recognition as a shortstop with solid power. However, before this game, he had not hit a single home run this season.
In the top of the ninth inning, Lee faced LG left-handed reliever Ham Deok-ju. With a favorable count of 2-0, Lee didn’t miss a 139 km/h fastball that drifted toward the middle of the plate, sending it over the left-field wall. “My batting feel wasn’t great in the minors, so I just focused on making solid contact. The count was favorable, so I swung hard, and it went over,” Lee explained.
Manager Park also praised Lee’s performance: “Honestly, I just hoped he’d play good defense first. But not only did he defend well, he also got two hits, including a home run – that’s very encouraging.”
