I feel particularly good about winning, even though it was a tight and challenging game.
From the opening score to the thrilling game-winning hit, it all came from his bat. Professional baseball player Na Seung-yeob of the Lotte Giants played a perfect game and led the team to victory.
Na Seung-yeob started as the fifth first baseman in the away game against the Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 20th.
He hit a powerful shot starting from his first at-bat in the second inning. Leading off, Na Seung-yeob targeted Samsung starter Ariel Hurado's first pitch two-seam fastball and sent it over the center field fence. Na Seung-yeob also brought momentum in the eighth inning with one out and a runner on second base by hitting a single to right field with the game tied at 3-3.
With the outstanding performance of Na Seung-yeob, Lotte defeated Samsung 4-3, wrapping up the weekend series with a winning streak.
Starter Na Gyun-an left the mound after pitching 5⅓ innings with 5 hits, 4 walks, 2 strikeouts, and 1 earned run for his first win of the season. However, the bullpen collapsed, leaving him with regret.
In the seventh inning, Jeong Cheol-won, the fifth pitcher, showcased solid pitching with 2 innings of scoreless baseball (1 hit, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts) to earn his second win of the season. Kim Won-jung, who took the mound in the ninth, secured his seventh save of the season with one inning of scoreless pitching.
Na Seung-yeob recorded 2 hits, including 1 home run, 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored. After the game, he said, 'I feel particularly good about winning, even though it was a tight and challenging game.'
He also added, 'I didn’t think the home run ball would go out when I hit it, but I was surprised it did. I’m glad I contributed to the team’s victory with the home run.' Na Seung-yeob continued, 'I will prepare well to wrap up this week and continue the winning momentum into next week.'
Meanwhile, Manager Kim Tae-hyung said, 'Na Gyun-an pitched well for over 5 innings as the starting pitcher today. I'm sorry we couldn't secure the win for him.' He added, 'In the bullpen, Jeong Cheol-won and Kim Won-jung pitched well even in difficult situations. Na Seung-yeob showed concentration with the game-winning hit, including a home run, which gave us the victory.'
Wrapping up the winning series against Samsung, Manager Kim Tae-hyung stated, 'Many fans supported us during the classic series, and I appreciate those who came out today despite the cold weather. We will prepare well for the game against Hanwha next week.'
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