Even without Choi Hyung-woo, they are strong. KIA made a return to a .500 winning percentage in just five days.
The KIA Tigers claimed a decisive victory of 11-3 against the Doosan Bears in the seventh match of the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League held at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 3rd.
Facing Doosan, which has seen manager Lee Seung-yeop resign voluntarily, KIA achieved a strong start in their three-game series along with two recent victories and six straight wins against Doosan, returning to a .500 winning percentage after five days since May 29. The season record stands at 28 wins, 1 draw, and 28 losses.
Starting pitcher Yang Hyeon-jong recorded a season-high fourth win (4 losses) with 5 innings, 5 hits allowed, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts, and 2 earned runs (1 unearned run). He was followed by Seong Yeong-tak (1 inning, no runs), Jeon Sang-hyeon (1 inning, no runs), Choi Ji-min (1 inning, no runs), and Hong Won-bin (1 inning, 1 run). Hong Won-bin, who was selected 10th overall in the second round of the 2019 rookie draft by KIA, showcased his potential in his delayed debut with a top speed of 154km/h.
'The 42-year-old fixer' Choi Hyung-woo's absence for physical management did not hinder the lineup, which showcased its firepower with 11 runs on 12 hits. Choi Won-jun led the offense with 3 hits in 3 at-bats, 2 RBIs, 1 walk, and 3 runs scored, while Yoon Do-hyun, Wisdom, Oh Seon-woo, and Kim Ho-ryeong contributed with multi-hits. Park Chan-ho supported with 1 hit, 1 RBI, 2 walks, and 3 runs.
KIA's manager Lee Beom-ho expressed satisfaction after the game, saying, 'The players who participated in the game all performed well. The excellent pitching by starting pitcher Yang Hyeon-jong and the active offense came together for a pleasant victory.'
Particularly impressive on that day was the performance of young players, who perfectly filled the gaps left by mainstays like Kim Do-young, Na Sung-bum, and Kim Sun-bin. Manager Lee Beom-ho remarked, 'It is nice to see younger players accumulate experience and improve as they play more games. I believe this is their opportunity now that they are on the first team, and I hope they continue to perform consistently.'
KIA aims for a third consecutive win on the 4th with ace James Naile on the mound. Doosan has scheduled rookie Choi Min-seok.
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