The KIA Tigers achieved their first consecutive wins of the season after 14 games.
Under the leadership of manager Lee Beom-ho, KIA secured a narrow 3-1 victory against the Lotte Giants in the second match of their series in the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League regular season at Busan Sajik Stadium on the 9th. With this victory, KIA completed their first consecutive wins of the season and the winning series, marking a season record of 6 wins and 8 losses.
KIA achieved a perfect harmony between pitching and hitting on the day. KIA's starting pitcher James Neale recorded 7 innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 6 while giving up 1 earned run, marking his second win of the season. In the bottom of the 3rd inning, with 1 out and runners on 1st and 3rd, Neale allowed a run on a ground ball by RAY to the second baseman, breaking a streak of 36 innings without allowing an earned run, but this did not change the fact that it was an outstanding pitching performance.
Additionally, the offense started with a fortunate score, taking the lead and holding onto it. After 2 outs in the 3rd inning, Choi Won-jun hit a single up the middle, and Kim Tae-kyun hit a fly ball to left field, but the ball disappeared in the twilight, causing left fielder Jeon Jun-woo to miss the drop point. KIA scored the first run by luck and then pulled ahead with a two-run homer by Na Seong-beom in the 4th inning.
After Neale left the mound, KIA faced a crisis with 2 outs and runners on 1st and 2nd in the 8th and 1 out with runners on 2nd and 3rd in the 9th, but finished the game without conceding any runs, achieving their first consecutive wins of the season.
After the game, manager Lee Beom-ho noted, "It was a game where Neale's 7-inning performance shined. I think he showed his A.S. down aspect, and by taking responsibility for many innings, he was a great help in managing the bullpen. I also appreciate Jung Hae-young for holding it down well in tough situations for two consecutive days, helping us secure the victory."
He continued, "Our fielders showed concentration by handling the balls without errors in situations with runners on base, which was also encouraging. I commend Na Seong-beom for playing a role in the middle lineup when we needed insurance runs."
He also mentioned, "I want to thank the fans for their great support today, and we will continue to maintain this good momentum by playing well tomorrow."
With the winning series completed, KIA will start Yoon Young-chul on the 10th. Lotte will have Charlie Barnes on the mound.
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