“No one thought we would win 2-1.”
Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man reflected on the away game against the Kia Tigers held at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on the 12th.
On that day, Samsung only managed to score 2 runs with a two-run homer by Gu Ja-wook in the first inning. They won due to the strength of a solid mound. Starter Lee Seung-hyun (57) earned his third win of the season with 5 innings pitched, allowing 8 hits, 2 walks, striking out 5, and giving up 1 run. The relief pitchers, including Lee Seung-min, Kim Tae-hoon, Bae Chan-seung, and Lee Ho-seong, combined for 4 innings of scoreless work.
Ahead of the home game against the KT Wiz on the 13th, manager Park Jin-man met with reporters and said, “Yesterday, we had our available winning squad. We were able to win due to the strength of the bullpen.”
Regarding starter Lee Seung-hyun, he said, “He was a little shaky at the beginning of the game yesterday, but as he consistently started, he seems to have gained the composure to control the intensity between good and bad times.”
He also added, “Recently, his control has improved a lot. If he doesn't stray too far from the strike zone, batters can't easily attack. In particular, the power of his curveball has greatly improved. Having a reliable weapon (the curveball) gives him the sense to get batters out after two strikes.”
Among the batters, Gu Ja-wook's recovery is notable. Manager Park Jin-man expressed pleasure, saying, “Gu Ja-wook’s condition is improving.”
Samsung wrapped up their three-game series in Gwangju with 2 wins and 1 loss and returned home. Manager Park Jin-man said, “I thought this week would be critical, but finishing the midweek three-game series with a winning record has given us some breathing room.” With Ariel Hurado scheduled to pitch on the 14th and Choi Won-tae on the 15th, they expect to have an advantageous position in the weekend three-game series.
Meanwhile, Samsung will start Hwang Dong-jae as their pitcher on the 13th. This decision comes as a replacement card amid gaps in the starting lineup. This season, he has recorded 1 loss with an earned run average of 5.40 over 9 games. This will be his first start in the first team this season, but he has consistently participated in the Futures League's starting rotation.
Manager Park Jin-man said, “Hwang Dong-jae has good memories against KT from last year.” He hopes Hwang Dong-jae will continue his good vibes from his strong outing on June 30 last year, when he pitched 5 innings, allowed 1 run (3 hits, 1 walk, and 4 strikeouts) in an away game.
He added, “If he can pitch through the 5th inning like Yang Chang-seob did against Kia on the 11th (5 innings, 1 run), there’s nothing more to ask for.”
Meanwhile, Samsung has formed the starting lineup with center fielder Kim Ji-chan, shortstop Lee Jae-hyun, left fielder Gu Ja-wook, designated hitter Lewin Diaz, catcher Kang Min-ho, third baseman Jeon Byeong-woo, first baseman Park Byeong-ho, right fielder Kim Tae-hoon, and second baseman Yang Do-geun.
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