The 'defending champion' KIA Tigers smiled for the second consecutive day.
KIA won 7-6 against the Samsung Lions in an away game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 23rd, thanks to Do-young Kim's game-winning home run. With this victory, KIA extended its winning streak to two, following the game against the KT Wiz in Suwon on the 22nd.
KIA, featuring foreign pitcher James Naile as the starting pitcher, fielded infielders Chan-ho Park (shortstop), Do-hyun Yoon (second base), Do-young Kim (third base), Hyeong-woo Choi (designated hitter), Seon-woo Oh (first base), Seok-hwan Kim (left fielder), Woo-sung Lee (right fielder), Tae-gun Kim (catcher), and Jung-woo Park (center fielder) as its starting lineup.
Samsung arranged its batting order with Ji-chan Kim (center fielder), Sung-yun Kim (right fielder), Ja-wook Koo (designated hitter), Lewin Diaz (first baseman), Young-woong Kim (third baseman), Heon-gon Kim (left fielder), Ji-hyuk Ryu (second baseman), Jae-sun Kim (catcher), and Jae-hyun Lee (shortstop). The starting pitcher was Dong-jae Hwang.
Starting pitcher James Naile recorded 6⅓ innings, allowing 8 hits, 1 walk, striking out 8, and giving up 4 runs. Do-young Kim contributed with 2 hits, including the game-winning home run, in 5 at-bats with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored, while Woo-sung Lee added 3 hits in 5 at-bats with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored.
Manager Beom-ho Lee said after the game, "We were able to achieve victory because both the pitchers and fielders maintained focus throughout the closely-contested game. I would like to thank all the players who showed focus until the end of the game in the 9th inning."
He also noted, "Although starting Naile allowed some runs, he managed his pitch count well and kept as many innings as possible. Seon-woo Oh's home play in the 7th inning played a decisive role in turning the game around today."
The contributions of Do-young Kim and Woo-sung Lee stood out in the offense. Manager Beom-ho Lee praised, "In the opportunity that arose in the 8th inning, we were able to secure the lead until the end with Do-young Kim's two-run home run and Woo-sung Lee's timely hit, which widened the score as much as possible."
Additionally, he stated, "Despite the cold weather, many fans came out to support us on the road, and I thank them for their enthusiastic support. We will work hard to continue winning tomorrow."
Meanwhile, KIA will feature Do-hyun Kim as the starting pitcher on the 24th. Samsung has announced left-hander Seung-hyun Lee as the starting pitcher for the matchup.
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