“These days, other teams are all throwing.”
Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyung mentioned the error that occurred during the squeeze play in the previous day's (15th) game while adding to the phenomenon of late in the game ahead of the match against the Kiwoom Heroes at Busan Sajik Stadium on the 16th.
Lotte won 8-6 thanks to Jeon Jun-woo's go-ahead two-run home run in the 8th inning of the previous day's game. However, the process itself was not very good. In the 2nd inning, the first error was recorded when catcher Yoo Gang-nam missed the home throw from right fielder Jang Doo-sung during Jeon Tae-hyun's timely hit. Although the record was an error by Jang Doo-sung, Yoo Gang-nam had more responsibility.
The 5th inning was crucial. In the top of the 5th, trailing 2-4 with one out and a runner on first base, Choi Joo-hwan's at-bat saw Jeong Hyun-soo trap runner Cardenas on base with a pick-off attempt. However, a clumsy scene emerged during the negotiating process.
First baseman Na Seung-yeop caught the pick-off throw and quickly threw it to shortstop Jeon Min-jae, who was waiting at second base. In a rush, Jeon Min-jae immediately threw to first base, but it deflected off Cardenas's knee. The ball rolled to the back net, allowing Cardenas to reach third base. An error by Jeon Min-jae was recorded.
Although they won, it was not a satisfactory situation for Lotte. Reflecting on the play, manager Kim Tae-hyung explained, “These days, the squeeze play by professional teams is different from when our players played. When you catch the ball, you must read the situation and drive the play, but not just our team, other teams are also throwing without thinking. Catching and driving the play is basic.” In other words, it indicates a lack of fundamentals.
He also pointed out regarding the previous day's game, “You need to drive the play to put pressure on, but when you throw, the person receiving it is far from the runner and worries about whether to go back, which leads to a hurried throw. Yesterday, Na Seung-yeop should have driven the play.”
Still, in the process of handling a double play after Song Seong-moon's ground ball to first base in the top of the 6th inning, first baseman Na Seung-yeop successfully executed the squeeze play, effectively trapping the runner, Kim Tae-jin.
Lotte is challenging once again to win the series. Lotte has set up a starting lineup consisting of Hwang Seong-bin (center fielder), Jeon Min-jae (shortstop), Na Seung-yeop (first baseman), RAY (designated hitter), Jeon Jun-woo (left fielder), Ko Seung-min (second baseman), Yoo Gang-nam (catcher), Kim Min-sung (third baseman), and Jang Doo-sung (right fielder).
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