KIA Tigers, suffering from injuries and errors, escaped a sweep loss crisis, led by their ace and superstar.
The professional baseball KIA Tigers won 8-3 against the KT Wiz in the sixth game of the season at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 22nd.
KIA recorded 23 wins and 24 losses this season, breaking free from a recent two-game losing streak and four consecutive away losses. They escaped a sweep loss crisis in the mid-week three-game series.
Starting ace Yang Hyun-jong pitched 6⅔ innings, allowing four hits, three walks, and striking out four while giving up three runs (none earned) on 86 pitches, earning his third win (four losses) of the season. After handing the baton to Jeon Sang-hyun with two outs and a runner on first base in the seventh inning, he returned to the dugout to a standing ovation from KIA's traveling fans. Jeon Sang-hyun (⅓ inning, no runs) continued, followed by Jo Sang-woo (1 inning, no runs) and Jeong Hae-young (1 inning, no runs).
In the batting lineup, superstar Kim Do-young led the team with three hits, including a game-winning home run, to help break the losing streak. Park Chan-ho and Park Jeong-woo also contributed with three hits each. Choi Hyung-woo and Oh Seon-woo provided support with multi-hit games.
KIA manager Lee Beom-ho said after the game, “In a difficult situation, ace Yang Hyun-jong provided us with a valuable victory with his best pitching. As the games progress, the starting rotation is showing signs of stability.” He noted, “In the offense, lead-off batter Park Chan-ho created chances and solved them. Kim Do-young also led the attack well with multi-hits, including a home run in the middle lineup. Park Jeong-woo also showed good offensive ability with three hits from the lower order,” mentioning each of the standout players.
KIA will travel to Daegu on the 23rd to face the Samsung Lions in a three-game weekend series. On the first day, they aim to seize the momentum with ace James Naile on the mound. Manager Lee Beom-ho remarked, “We will prepare well for the three-game series against Samsung this weekend. We are always grateful for the unwavering support of our fans.”
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