Last year, it seems hard to believe that the manager who achieved the unified championship with a gentle smile is the same. In the midst of many injuries, 2nd-year manager Lee Beom-ho decisively took action, sending off players who needed reorganization.

KIA Tigers manager Lee Beom-ho made significant changes to the first-team roster ahead of the 6th game of the season against the KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 22nd. He registered Kim Seok-hwan, Yoon Do-hyun, and Choi Ji-min while sending Choi Won-jun, Kim Sun-bin, and Kim Gi-hoon to the 2nd team.

Choi Won-jun was removed due to poor performance in both offense and defense. With a batting average of .195 for the season and .083 in May, he committed a critical fielding error on a routine fly ball by Jang Seong-woo in the first inning the day before, leading to a disciplinary substitution, and he was informed of his move to the 2nd team the following day.

Manager Lee Beom-ho noted, "Given the team’s offensive struggles, we need to minimize runs, but it seems Choi Won-jun is unable to focus. His poor hitting has led to excessive thinking. I judged that giving him about ten days to regain his composure would be best."

When asked if he had specific words for Choi Won-jun, he replied, "There was nothing in particular." He continued, "He has missed catchable balls in the last two games. Yesterday (on the 21st), we could have avoided giving up runs in the first inning, but a fielding error caused the team to collapse early. Mistakes can happen anytime, but there should be some reasonable understanding of them."

He added, "Through the adjustments to the first-team roster, I wanted to send a strong message to the team. The upcoming games will be more important, so I hope the players focus more."

He applauded Lee Woo-sung, who is also struggling with his hitting alongside Choi Won-jun. After coming in as a pinch hitter in the 9th inning against KT on the 21st and hitting a deep ball, he was applauded for his bold attempt to reach second base. Although he was caught in a base-running out, the manager viewed it as the player’s desperation.

Manager Lee Beom-ho stated, "The effort put in is commendable when a player dies trying their best, and the defense performed well. He showed passion and determination, and he must continue to show that. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to go out and perform well. I hope things go well for him going forward."

Did manager Lee Beom-ho's shock therapy work? On this day, KIA overcame two errors in the first inning and with a revitalized offense, defeated KT, snapping their two-game losing streak.

Superstar Kim Do-young led the way with three hits, including a game-winning home run. Park Chan-ho and Park Jeong-woo also had three-hit performances, while Choi Hyung-woo and Oh Seon-woo provided support with multi-hit games. Lee Woo-sung returned to the starting lineup and delivered a valuable two-RBI single in the 5th inning, fulfilling the manager's trust.

After the game, manager Lee Beom-ho remarked, "With the team in a difficult situation, ace Yang Hyeon-jong pitched exceptionally well and gave us a valuable victory. As the games progress, the starting lineup is finding stability." He continued, "In the offense, leadoff hitter Park Chan-ho created and capitalized on opportunities. Kim Do-young also led the offense well with multiple hits, including a home run from the middle of the lineup. Park Jeong-woo also showcased good offensive production with three hits from the lower order."

KIA will travel to Daegu on the 23rd to face the Samsung Lions in a weekend three-game series. On the first day, they aim to gain an advantage with ace James Nale on the mound. Manager Lee Beom-ho said, "We will prepare well for the weekend's three games against Samsung. I am always grateful for the unwavering support from our fans."

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