I think it is thanks to the players’ efforts and not giving up until the end.
The firm will to win created an exhilarating reversal drama. The Samsung Lions of the Korea Professional Baseball League staged a 'promised 8th inning' and secured a satisfying victory. Samsung won 8-4 after completing a big inning in the 8th with a tie score of 4-4 against the KIA Tigers at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 24th.
Samsung, starting left-handed pitcher Lee Seung-hyun, set the batting order as designated hitter Kim Ji-chan, center fielder Kim Sung-yoon, left fielder Koo Ja-wook, first baseman Lewin Diaz, third baseman Kim Young-woong, catcher Kang Min-ho, second baseman Ryu Ji-hyuk, right fielder Park Seung-kyu, and shortstop Yang Do-gun.
KIA set the starting lineup with shortstop Park Chan-ho, second baseman Yoon Do-hyun, third baseman Kim Do-young, designated hitter Choi Hyung-woo, right fielder Lee Woo-sung, first baseman Byeon Woo-hyeok, left fielder Oh Seon-woo, catcher Han Jun-soo, and center fielder Kim Ho-ryeong. The starting pitcher was right-handed Kim Do-hyun.
Samsung's starting pitcher Lee Seung-hyun recorded 4 innings, allowing 7 hits (1 home run), 1 walk, 2 strikeouts, and 3 runs. The second pitcher, Lee Seung-min, pitched 2 scoreless innings (allowing 1 hit and 4 strikeouts). Lee Ho-seong, who took the mound with 2 outs in the 8th, became the winning pitcher with 1⅓ scoreless innings. Ryu Ji-hyuk led the offense with 2 hits and 3 RBIs in 4 at-bats, while Kim Sung-yoon had 2 hits and 2 RBIs in 4 at-bats.
After the game, coach Park Jin-man said, "It was a tough game where we fell behind and had to chase until the 7th, but we were able to win thanks to Ryu Ji-hyuk's 3-RBI double in the 4th and Kim Sung-yoon's insurance 2-RBI hit in the 8th. I think it is thanks to the players’ efforts and not giving up until the end."
Director Park Jin-man also noted, "Among the pitchers, Lee Seung-min fulfilled his role in a tough situation, and Lee Ho-seong did well in the closing, which allowed us to win the game," and added, "I would like to thank the many fans who came to support us despite the rain today, and we will prepare well for tomorrow’s game to ensure we can win."
Meanwhile, Samsung will start 'blue-blooded ace' Won Tae-in on the 25th. KIA's starting pitcher in response is Yoon Young-cheol.
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