KIA Tigers ace James Naile reportedly volunteered to pitch another inning despite swelling in his fingers.
KIA Tigers won 8-3 against Doosan Bears in the 8th match of the season at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 4th.
KIA has secured a winning series early this week with a recent three-game winning streak and a seven-game winning streak against Doosan. Season record: 29 wins, 1 draw, 28 losses.
Starting pitcher Naile threw 5 innings, allowing 6 hits (1 home run), 3 walks, striking out 5, and giving up 3 runs with 86 pitches, marking his 4th win of the season (1 loss). Although he had room for more pitches, he was replaced in the 6th inning after being hit on his right hand by a sharp line drive from Jake Cave in the bottom of the 5th. A KIA official noted, "There is slight swelling, so we replaced him as a precaution. He is currently receiving ice treatment, and there are no plans for a hospital examination today."
Following him, Seong Yeong-tak (1 inning, no runs), Lee Jun-young (1 inning, no runs), Jo Sang-woo (1 inning, no runs), and Kim Hyun-soo (1 inning, no runs) held the lead, with Seong Yeong-tak achieving his first hold in his debut.
In the batting lineup, foreign hitter Wisdom led the offense with a decisive two-run homer, going 3 for 5 with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Choi Won-jun washed away his defensive struggles with a super catch in the bottom of the 8th and hit a sealing two-run homer in the top of the 9th.
KIA manager Lee Beom-ho said after the game, "Wisdom's performance stood out today. He showed the best offensive ability since his return from injury. He led the offense well with 3 RBIs, including the decisive home run. Choi Won-jun's two-run homer in the top of the 9th also contributed to the victory," naming him the standout player in the batting lineup.
Naile, who completed 5 innings, volunteered to pitch another inning but was stopped by the manager. Manager Lee Beom-ho remarked, "Naile showed the desire to pitch another inning, but we judged it unnecessary to push him. Seong Yeong-tak is becoming a great support from the bullpen. He started in the chasing group and has been quietly fulfilling his role, and today he performed well in the winning group as well."
He also added, "As the games go on, the team is finding stability in both offense and defense. We will strive to maintain good performance. I thank the away fans for their enthusiastic support despite it being a weekday," concluding the post-game interview.
KIA will aim for a series sweep on the 5th with Kim Do-hyun starting. Doosan has announced Choi Won-jun as their starter.
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