“The hitting form of the two veterans has definitely added vitality to the team.”
Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man commented on the team's four-game winning streak.
On the 29th, Samsung won 9-3 against the Lotte Giants in a home game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. This victory marked their fourth consecutive win since the game against the KIA Tigers on the 24th. Meanwhile, Lotte fell into a three-game losing streak.
Samsung, trailing 0-2, capitalized on their concentrated hitting in the fifth inning to complete a big inning. After one out, Park Seung-kyu hit a double, signaling the start of the comeback. Kim Ji-chan grounded out to second base, but in the meantime, Park Seung-kyu advanced to third base. In the continued two outs and three runners situation, Kim Sung-yun hit a single to left-center field to score one run. Fast runner Kim Sung-yun stole second base to apply pressure on the opponent. A hit by Gu Ja-wook to right field leveled the score at 2-2. Soon after, Lewin Diaz drew a walk. With two outs and runners on first and second, Kang Min-ho hit a double, bringing everyone home. The score was 4-2.
Leading 4-2 in the sixth, Samsung had a chance to pull ahead with runners on first and second and one out. Kim Ji-chan, Kim Sung-yun, and Gu Ja-wook each hit consecutive RBIs, adding three more runs. Samsung solidified their lead with a timely hit by Lee Jae-hyun in the seventh inning and an RBI double by Kang Min-ho in the eighth.
Starting pitcher Choi Won-tae earned his fourth win of the season with 5 innings pitched, allowing 3 hits (2 home runs), 5 walks, 7 strikeouts, and 2 earned runs. Kim Sung-yun led the offense with 4 hits in 5 at-bats, recording 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. Kang Min-ho showcased powerful hitting with 3 hits in 5 at-bats and 3 RBIs. Gu Ja-wook, who only had a batting average of .220 over the last 10 games, recovered his form with 2 hits in 3 at-bats, 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored, achieving his 2,500th hit in the KBO League, the 43rd to do so.
After the game, manager Park Jin-man said, “Starting pitcher Choi Won-tae appeared a bit shaky since it was his first start in a while, but he held on with minimal earned runs.” He also praised the lineup, stating, “They all hit well, and during the chances in the fifth, they showed concentration and turned the game around, bringing the momentum to us.”
He also expressed satisfaction, saying, “Kim Sung-yun got on base a lot, and behind him, Gu Ja-wook and Kang Min-ho resolved the situation, and the hitting form of the two veterans has definitely added vitality to the team.”
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