In a three game series elimination comes quick and psychology rarely counts for much one day to the next. As experienced as the Lions are, a game is a game, and Samsung is just one from being sent home packing.

Ryu Hyeon-jin worked 6 2/3 solid innings, not allowing a run, and striking out eight en route to an easy 5-0 win in front of a packed house at Daejeon Baseball Stadium. The win gave Hanwha a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three series.

Kim Tae-gyun and Lee Beum-ho hit home runs to power the Eagle offense, but the story was the lefty Ryu, who worked deep into counts all night, loaded the bases on two occasions, but managed to stay afloat during his 128 pitch effort.

Tomorrow’s game will move to Deagu where Samsung will turn to middle reliever Jeon Byung-ho (8-8, 4.06), who like many of the Samsung players has 10+ years of experience.

Hanwha will counter with Jung Min-chul (12-5, 2.90) who blanked Samsung over six innings and picked up the win on Sept. 26.