Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop's bold lineup led to a 12-3 victory. The rookies who stepped onto the field all played their part, also demonstrating the resilience of the Doosan well.

The Doosan Bears won 12-3 in the 8th match of the season of the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League against the KT Wiz held on the 28th at Suwon KT Wiz Park.

Doosan recorded a season record of 22 wins, 3 draws, and 29 losses, breaking a four-game losing streak against KT while avenging the previous day's loss. The Doosan lineup scored double-digit runs for the first time in 24 days since their 11-6 victory over the Samsung Lions in Daegu on the 4th.

Doosan arranged a starting lineup against KT's starting pitcher William Cuevas that included Jung Soo-bin (center fielder), Jake Cave (right fielder), Yang Eui-ji (catcher), Kim Jae-hwan (designated hitter), Kim In-tae (left fielder), Oh Myung-jin (shortstop), Choo Jae-hyun (first baseman), Lim Jong-sung (third baseman), and Kim Jun-sang (second baseman).

It was a bold order with both '7.8 billion won free agent' Yang Seok-hwan and 'top-ranked position player' Kang Seung-ho missing. Outfielder Choo Jae-hyun took over first base for the first time in 1,074 days since June 19, 2022, against the Lotte Giants, while rookie Kim Jun-sang, a product of the youth development program, took on second base. Lee Seung-yeop explained, "I waited long enough. We need a change in atmosphere, so I altered the lineup."

The shock therapy was a great success. The lineup showcased a devastating firepower, scoring 12 runs on 13 hits, bombarding KT's mound. Captain Yang Eui-ji led the charge with two home runs, while Jake Cave went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored, and Kim Jae-hwan contributed 2 hits, 1 home run, 2 RBIs, 2 walks, and 2 runs in 3 at-bats. Rookie Kim Jun-sang succeeded in reaching base twice in his debut game with a hit and a hit by pitch.

Starting rookie Choi Min-seok pitched 5 innings, allowing 4 hits, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts, and no runs, celebrating his first victory in just his second game with an impressive performance of 85 pitches. He was followed by Kim Myung-sin (⅓ inning, 3 runs allowed, unearned) - Park Shin-ji (⅔ inning, no runs allowed) - Choi Ji-gang (1 inning, no runs allowed) - Yang Jae-hoon (1 inning, no runs allowed) - Kim Ho-jun (1 inning, no runs allowed).

Doosan's Lee Seung-yeop said after the game, "Starting pitcher Choi Min-seok took responsibility for 5 innings with his bold pitching. He showed an aggressive approach typical of a rookie, not yielding to the opposing lineup. I sincerely congratulate him on his first victory." He added, "Captain Yang Eui-ji not only guided the rookie pitcher well but also excelled in the lineup with multi-home runs. Cleanup hitter Kim Jae-hwan also played the role of a key player, reaching base 4 times including 2 walks. Kim Jun-sang, who made his first appearance, also had a good start by getting his first hit."

Lee Seung-yeop did not forget to salute the traveling fans cheering from third base. He said, "Thank you to the fans who came all the way to Suwon to cheer for us. The players worked hard."

Doosan will aim for a winning series on the 29th with ace Koh Re-bin, while KT is set to start Oh Won-seok.

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