In the top of the sixth inning, with a 0-0 tie, Samsung Lions' Koo Ja-wook came to the plate with no outs and runners on first and second. He faced Kiwoom's left-handed pitcher Kim Sung-min and, after a ball count of 2B-2S, he targeted a changeup on the fifth pitch but ended up hitting into a double play to second base-shortstop-first base. This was the worst possible situation for Samsung. In the continued situation with two outs and a runner on third, Lewin Diaz grounded out to second base, resulting in the loss of a golden opportunity.
The standout player in the away game against the Kiwoom Heroes held on the 22nd at Gocheok Sky Dome was 'Captain' Koo Ja-wook (outfielder). Having missed a chance with no outs and runners on first and second in the sixth inning, he ultimately redeemed himself in the eighth inning. In a situation with two outs and a runner on second base, he powerfully pulled a slider from right-hander Yang Ji-yul on the fourth pitch, striking the right field foul pole. It was a hit that broke the scoreless tie.
Samsung defeated Kiwoom 2-0, sweeping the midweek three-game series against them. Starting pitcher Denny Reyes delivered his best performance of the season, pitching 7⅔ innings, allowing 3 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 5 without allowing a run. This marked his fourth win of the season. After two outs in the eighth inning, left-handed pitcher Bae Chan-seung took the mound, adding a hold with ⅓ inning of scoreless pitching, and 'new closer' Lee Ho-seong faced two hits in the ninth inning but closed the game without allowing a run, earning his second save of the season.
Koo Ja-wook's performance during the three-game series against Kiwoom was notable. In the game on the 20th, trailing 3-2, he hit a double into left-center field with two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the 11th inning, bringing all the runners home, and he hit the game-winning two-run homer.
Koo Ja-wook, who delivered the decisive hit, expressed more regret than satisfaction. In an interview with the club's official YouTube channel 'Lions TV,' he noted that he regretted missing the opportunity with the double play in the sixth inning, saying, 'I feel sorry for the pitchers that I couldn't hit quickly.' He also credited his teammates, saying, 'The players came together to achieve the sweep.'
Meanwhile, Samsung will face the KIA Tigers in a weekend three-game series starting on the 23rd at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. First-round draft pick Hwang Dong-jae will take on the role of starting pitcher for the first time this season. His performance so far this season includes 4 games with an earned run average of 3.38. The KIA will counter with foreign pitcher James Naile (10 games, 3 wins, 1 loss, earned run average of 2.23) as the starting pitcher.
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