The Firefighters faced their biggest rivals, Dongguk University, in a nail-biting match during the first live match of the 2025 season.

In the 6th episode of the baseball variety program 'Fire Baseball,' released on the official YouTube channel Studio C1 at 8 p.m. on the 9th, the first live match of the 2025 season between the Firefighters and Dongguk University was revealed.

As usual, the Firefighters gathered in the locker room in a cheerful atmosphere. However, the air turned cold at the words of Director General Jang Si-won, who said, "I have some bad news." An unexpected loss of strength occurred due to the hospitalization of manager Kim Seong-keun and Nippert's personal circumstances leading to his departure to the United States. In this sudden crisis, the players checked each other's batting and helped with defensive practice, demonstrating the 'one team' spirit to fill the gaps and solidify their will to win.

With the national anthem sung by singer Lee Soo-yeon and the ceremonial first pitch by actor Lee Deok-hwa, the game began. Fans who had been waiting for the Firefighters' live match greeted them with cheers and tears, creating a touching moment. The starting pitcher You Hee-kwan, who took the mound for the first live match, dominated the count using his trademark slow breaking ball and subdued Dongguk University’s batting lineup. However, the Firefighters' lineup also struggled against the sharp command and various breaking balls of the starting pitcher Kim Kyung-min, known as 'Dongguk University You Hee-kwan.' After two outs, Park Yong-taek and Lee Dae-ho hit singles, creating a scoring opportunity, but Jeong Ui-yoon popped out, ending the inning.

In the top of the second inning, the Firefighters faced a scoring crisis with one out and runners on second and third due to a fielding error by third baseman Jeong Seong-hoon and a stolen base allowed. As a line drive headed toward center field, Firefighters fans gasped, but second baseman Jeong Geun-woo made a perfect play to catch the ball and completed a double play, ending the inning. The crowd responded with loud cheers for Jeong Geun-woo, who made his first start in a long time after recovering from injury.

In the bottom of the second inning, Dongguk University attempted to change the momentum by activating the 'bee bullpen' with an opportunity of one out and runners on first and second. The Firefighters missed an opportunity despite the desperate attempt of runner Jeong Seong-hoon to score a point, creating disappointment. On the other hand, Dongguk University calmly fended off the crisis, clearly demonstrating their top-tier status in college league.

Until the third inning, both teams exchanged double plays but struggled to score. However, the tension escalated in the fourth inning. Dongguk University created a chance with consecutive hits, managing runners on first and second with no outs, prompting Firefighters pitcher Jo Jang to call in Song Seung-jun, increasing the tension. Dongguk University attempted to apply pressure with a bunt strategy, but the Firefighters blocked it with perfect defense and avoided the crisis with calm keystone plays by Jeong Geun-woo and Lim Sang-woo, inducing yet another double play.

The first score broke through in the bottom of the fourth inning. With a hit from Jeong Seong-hoon and an infield ground ball by Lee Taek-geun, the situation turned into two outs with a runner on second. Batting now was lower batting order player Park Jae-wook. Park Jae-wook swung confidently, and Jeong Seong-hoon did not miss the opportunity to come home, finally achieving the first score. With an additional hit from Choi Su-hyun, Dongguk University brought in their fourth pitcher, Kwak Min-seung, who caught Lim Sang-woo with a devastating forkball, ending the inning.

The Firefighters struggled to get the first score and are now ahead 1-0. Expectations are rising for the next episode with Dongguk University's challenging offensive in the second half. In the tight contest between the Firefighters and Dongguk University, who will emerge victorious?

Meanwhile, the 6th episode of 'Fire Baseball' exceeded 100,000 viewers just 14 minutes after its initial release. The highest simultaneous viewership reached 214,600, showcasing its unquenchable popularity as Korea's top baseball variety show. With the support of viewers, 'Fire Baseball' will hold its second live match against Inha University at Gocheok Sky Dome on June 22 at 2 p.m.

In particular, this live match is expected to be the first-ever live broadcast in the history of 'Fire Baseball.' The showdown between the Firefighters and Inha University will be available on SBS Plus.

The thrilling results of the gripping battle between the Firefighters and Dongguk University can be checked on the official YouTube channel of Studio C1 on the 16th (Monday) at 8 p.m.

[Photo] Capture of 'Fire Baseball' Episode 6.

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