Lotte upset the top-ranked save pitcher, crafting a thrilling comeback drama.
The Lotte Giants of the Korea Baseball Organization defeated the KT Wiz 4-3 in the 8th matchup of the season at Suwon KT Wiz Park on Nov. 11.
Lotte avenged their loss the previous day, moving from a tie for 3rd to sole possession of 3rd place. Season record: 35 wins, 3 draws, and 29 losses.
Starter Tucker Davidson was in danger of being tagged with the loss after pitching 5⅓ innings with 7 hits, 2 walks, 9 strikeouts, and 3 earned runs on 99 pitches, but thanks to the lineup's support, he recorded a no decision.
Following him, Na Gyun-an (1⅔ innings, no earned runs), Choi Jun-Yong (1 inning, no earned runs), and Kim Won-jung (1 inning, no earned runs) pitched in order, with Na Gyun-an earning his first win of the season after 13 games, and Kim Won-jung logging his 16th save.
The lineup turned the 8th inning, trailing 1-3, into a promising inning. Lead-off batter Jeon Min-jae walked, Han Tae-yang hit a single to left, and Jeung Bo-keun drew a walk to load the bases with one out. Jang Du-seong faced the top save pitcher of KT, Park Young-hyun, and struck out on an 11-pitch at-bat, exhausting the pitcher. Go Seung-min then walked to narrow the gap, followed by Víctor Reyes, who hit a two-RBI go-ahead single, sealing the victory.
Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyoung said after the game, "Davidson did a great job as the starting pitcher. The relief pitchers that followed, Na Gyun-an, Choi Jun-Yong, and Kim Won-jung, also pitched well," adding, "The fielders, led by Reyes, maintained their focus until the end, allowing us to secure the victory, and I applaud the comeback heroes."
Lotte will seek a winning series during the week, led by left-hander Kim Jin-wook on the 12th. KT has announced So Hyung-jun as their starter.
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