Is the second half of the big offensive scenario still valid?
The defending champion KIA Tigers are barely maintaining a .500 win rate. They won the winning series against the NC Dinos in a three-game series last weekend. They recovered from a 1 win and 2 losses against the Samsung Lions in a three-game series during the week, recording 34 wins, 33 losses, and 1 tie. They trail the Hanwha Eagles by 6.5 games for first place and are 3 games behind the Lotte Giants in third place. Maintaining a .500 win rate with the current roster is quite impressive.
For now, the mound is functioning properly. James Neale, Adam Oller, Yang Hyun-jong, Kim Do-hyun, and Yoon Young-cheol are all contributing as a starting lineup. In particular, Yoon Young-cheol, who suffered from extreme sluggishness in the early part of the season, has regained his control, speed, and pitching skills. The starting pitchers are taking responsibility for at least 5 innings, minimizing the burden on the bullpen.
The bullpen is also stable. The key relievers, including Lee Jun-young (left-handed), Jeon Sang-hyun, Jo Sang-woo, and Jeong Hae-young, are being supported by Choi Ji-min, who has posted an ERA of 1.59 in 7 games in June. Second-year player Seong Yeong-tak has emerged like a comet, achieving 10 scoreless games and earning a promotion to the key relievers. They currently rank first in the team ERA for June at 3.39. They are waging tight battles by leveraging the mound until the end. Regardless of winning or losing, the score margin is not large.
Manager Lee Bum-ho, who gained confidence from the mound, is aiming for a counterattack in the second half. He believes that if they can hold on through the first half, they can attack with a complete roster when all injured players return in the second half. There are 21 games left until the end of the first half, starting from the 17th. As they enter the rainy season, considering potential rainouts, the number of games could decrease further.
They are keeping .500 as a baseline. They can afford to have 10 wins and 11 losses. If they can achieve a profit margin of 3 to 4 wins, it would be the best scenario. Given the strength of the mound, this is not an impossible figure. Though there are concerns about the frequent appearances of the key relievers due to tight contests, they are doing their best to prevent excessive pitching. The issue is scoring ability. It is clear that the cohesion has decreased due to the absence of key hitters.
Yoon Do-hyun sustained an injury while playing defense and is out again, but the backup players are doing their best. Veteran outfielder Lee Chang-jin, who has returned, has a batting average of just .118 but is counterbalancing it with 7 walks. Oh Seon-woo has also slumped under concentrated scrutiny but regained some pride with a three-run home run. Kim Kyu-seong, who is filling in at second base for Yoon Do-hyun, has delivered multi-hits in three consecutive games over the weekend, effectively covering the absence. Kim Ho-ryeong is also contributing to the batting. Park Chan-ho has shown signs of revival. Despite the tough circumstances, they are doing their best to add one win at a time.
Kim Do-young, Na Sung-bum, and Kim Sun-bin, who are out long-term due to injuries, are expected to return to the first team in the second half. If they are functioning normally, the offensive power of the lineup will strengthen. Additionally, Lee Eui-ri's return has been delayed, but he has begun live pitching and will similarly be back in the first team in the second half. Lee Eui-ri's return could provide significant support for both the starting and bullpen. If they become fully operational, they could engage in a decisive battle in the second half. Therefore, the key will be whether they can hold on without falling too far behind the leaders in the first half.
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