“Don't forget the victories we've achieved so far, and let's rise again.”

Captain Jeon Jun-woo, a one-club man of the Lotte Giants, started as the left fielder in the 8th game of the season against the Doosan Bears in the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League held at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 7th, contributing to the team's 9-4 victory and breaking a three-game losing streak with 2 hits (1 home run) in 4 at-bats, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored.

His bat was strong from the first at-bat. In the second inning, trailing 0-1, he appeared as the leadoff hitter and hit a single off Doosan's starter Choi Seung-yong. He then attempted to steal second base but advanced to third after a throwing error by catcher Yang Eui-ji.

The highlight was the second at-bat. In the third inning with a 3-1 lead and two outs, he hit a two-run home run that swung the momentum. Jeon Jun-woo connected on a high fastball (144 km) on the third pitch from Choi Seung-yong, hitting a home run with a distance of 110 meters. It was his sixth home run of the season, coming after a gap of two games following the match against the Kiwoom Heroes on the 5th.

After the game, Jeon Jun-woo noted, “I’m so glad we broke the losing streak. Although the players have had a strong will to perform recently, we had a tough time as the games didn’t go well. Today, we played well, and I hope this game can serve as a turning point for the team to bounce back.”

Jeon Jun-woo, at the relatively advanced age of 39, explained the secret behind clearing the Jamsil fence with a push hit, saying, “There was no intent behind it; it just connected well. I think aiming for the outside corner worked well. However, looking back, I struck the ball from behind rather than the front. So to speak, the ball touched the bat at the back, and the power transferred well, resulting in a good hit.”

Jeon Jun-woo led by example, demonstrating unyielding play to break the team's losing streak. Making it to the next base was fundamental, and he eliminated Jake Cave's pop-up foul ball with a defensive play in the fifth inning.

Jeon Jun-woo laughed and said, “That’s what makes it hard for me,” adding, “When on the baseball field, there’s no distinction between seniors and younger players. When a sliding catch situation arises, you have to slide, and when there’s a steal sign, you have to steal. There's nothing different just because you’re a senior. I give my best effort for every ball. So, a good play came out today, and the team won.”

The reason Jeon Jun-woo played with particular intensity that day is because Lotte has been on a downward trend. They established an overwhelming three-way competition with the LG Twins and Hanwha Eagles in the early part of the season but have recently faced struggles with a record of 3 wins and 8 losses in their last 11 games, sitting in a tie for 3rd place (33 wins, 3 ties, 28 losses) with just a half-game lead over the 5th place Samsung Lions. The gap with 2nd place Hanwha has widened to 3 games. The team is undergoing a difficult early summer due to injuries to key players such as Hwang Seong-bin, Na Seung-yeop, and Yoon Dong-hee.

Jeon Jun-woo emphasized, “After all, baseball has winning and losing streaks. But because we have done so well so far, we need to quickly break the losing streak to get back on track. It’s unfortunate that the players are getting injured, but conversely, it provides an opportunity for the players who are available. That's what teamwork is about. I hope the injured players return quickly, and until then, I hope the remaining players can band together and perform well.”

When asked if he left a special message for the team, he replied, “I didn’t say anything major. It’s unfortunate that injuries are happening, but thinking the other way, it’s an opportunity for those playing. That’s teamwork. I hope the injured players return quickly and that those who are here can come together and perform well.”

He added, “Hitting has its cycles. There are times when you go up and times when you go down, and I hope players can accept this as a given. Don’t struggle too much thinking it can't be done; instead, accept it and do your best in that situation, and the downward pace can rise again quickly.”

In conclusion, Jeon Jun-woo said, “Personally, my hitting pace is fine, but I feel a lot of regret due to the team's ongoing struggles. I hope we don’t forget the victories we secured early this year. I hope today's victory serves as a stepping stone for us to rise once again. The players will perform well again.”

[OSEN]