I didn’t know he would buy that…

Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyung mentioned leadoff hitter Hwang Seong-bin while reflecting on the game the day before (1st) ahead of the regular season matchup against the NC Dinos at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 2nd.

Lotte achieved a complete victory of 5-0 against Kiwoom the previous day. The starting pitcher Tucker Davidson delivered a flawless performance with 7 innings without allowing a run, and the timely hitting from the lineup secured the series sweep.

After Na Seung-yeob's 2-run timely hit in the 1st inning, Lotte's lineup failed to score additional runs. An extra score came in the 4th inning, thanks to Hwang Seong-bin's speed.

In the 4th inning, lead-off hitter Jeon Jun-woo hit a double to right-center. Lee Ho-jun retreated with a shallow fly to right field, and Jeong Bo-geun made a ground out to first base, creating an opportunity with 2 outs and a runner at third. Hwang Seong-bin hit a foul on the first pitch that struck his right foot. After showing signs of pain, he returned to the plate. On the second pitch, he attempted a surprise bunt but swung and missed. His body leaned towards first base first, preventing him from making contact with the ball.

Kim Tae-hyung, who was captured on the broadcast screen, could not hide his frustration. He hoped for a hit that would yield results. However, Hwang Seong-bin produced a result, hitting a routine ground ball to the shortstop. But Hwang Seong-bin reached first base more quickly, sliding headfirst to safely touch first base. Manager Kim Tae-hyung also looked quite surprised.

I asked manager Kim Tae-hyung about the situation at the time. He commented on the failed bunt attempt, saying, “It wasn’t frustrating; he needed to hit. After taking one strike, the chances of a successful bunt are low. I told him not to bunt on one strike. And he seemed to have gotten hit by the foul ball first. But he took that position.” He added, “If it’s a good pitcher or a left-handed pitcher, he needs to step up. It was a situation where he could have hit well enough.”

He continued, “He runs after hitting the ball with a bat. The opponent is also prepared for it. But still, I really didn’t know he would buy that hit yesterday.”

He emphasized, “During practice, I hold my right leg tight and swing, but when playing in games, I swing more while moving. That’s why there are many infield hits, and my batting average is good. If I can hit like I do during practice, I can send even better hits.”

Lotte’s starting lineup included Hwang Seong-bin (center fielder), Go Seung-min (second baseman), RAY (left fielder), Na Seung-yeob (first baseman), Yoon Dong-hee (right fielder), Jeon Jun-woo (designated hitter), Son Ho-young (third baseman), Yoo Kang-nam (catcher), and Lee Ho-jun (shortstop). The starting pitcher is Na Kyun-an.

[OSEN]