“(Jung) Haeyoung should have been saved…”

KIA Tigers manager Lee Beom-ho reflected on the situation where the bullpen allowed a chase in the game the day before (14th) against the NC Dinos before the game on the 15th at Changwon NC Park.

KIA won the previous day 9-8. They took control early in the game with a large score, leading 8-3. They allowed one more run by the 8th inning, but started the 9th inning comfortably as Kim Gyu-sung’s solo home run widened the gap to 9-4.

However, Yoon Joong-hyun, who took the mound in the 9th, allowed two walks, creating a first and second base crisis without outs. Ultimately, closer Jung Haeyoung came in but allowed a hit to the first batter, Kim Han-byeol, escalating the crisis to a bases loaded situation with no outs. Davidson struck out, but after a full-count battle with Park Gun-woo, he allowed a grand slam home run. They were chased to 9-8, just a one-point difference. They managed to prevent additional runs and secured the victory, but it was an uneasy win.

Manager Lee Beom-ho noted, “Even though the pitch count was low, the bullpen had a lot of rest. So, I was trying to operate them a bit. I didn't want to create another situation and give up one or two more runs, and I didn’t know how the bullpen would handle it, so I wanted to ensure Hyun-jong could secure the win and have Seong-yeong, Jeon-sang-hyeon, Jo-sang-woo, and Jung-haeyoung prepared afterward. But as the score gap widened, I kept Yeong-tak in longer,” he explained about the pitching plan from the day before.

Afterward, Choi Ji-min allowed a headshot, failing to record even one out before leaving the mound, and Jeon Sang-hyeon allowed an additional run in the 8th making it 8-4. However, in the top of the 9th, Kim Gyu-sung hit a solo home run, adding another run. Although Yoon Joong-hyun, who was not part of the winning formula, took the mound with a five-run lead, they ultimately used closer Jung Haeyoung to secure the difficult victory.

Ultimately, the situation that led to Jung Haeyoung’s involvement was disappointing. He said, “If it had been a four-point difference, I would have thought about using Jo Sang-woo in the 9th. Jo Sang-woo also had a few days of rest. But when they added a point, it became a five-point difference, so I had to use Sang-woo. I thought that if his pitch count exceeded 20, it would be tough for tomorrow,” he reflected. “So I suggested using Yoon Joong-hyun first and keeping Jung Haeyoung ready. I wanted to minimize bullpen usage and utilize them as little as possible, but in the end, I had to use Haeyoung. I should have saved Haeyoung for today’s game,” he lamented.

Lee Beom-ho feels that management of Jung Haeyoung, Jo Sang-woo, and Jeon Sang-hyeon is necessary. He said, “Currently, the hitters aren't producing many runs. So, there are many games where Haeyoung needs to pitch. It seems that Sang-hyeon, Sang-woo, and Haeyoung are appearing in a lot of games. I'm considering how to minimize their appearances,” he said, “But right now, we must win every game. To survive June, we need to win, so we keep relying on the core pitchers. That’s why I’m a bit worried,” he expressed his concerns.

Nonetheless, KIA is in a situation where they must continue to push forward with a winning percentage above .500. With the lineup not being complete, the overuse of the bullpen is becoming an unavoidable task. Lee Beom-ho's worries are deepening.

[OSEN]