Won Tae-in leads Samsung to victory with ace-like performance against Doosan

"The return of Won Tae-in showed an ace-like performance."

Manager Park Jin-man of the Samsung Lions named 'the ace of the blue blood' Won Tae-in as the key to the victory against the Doosan Bears on the 17th. Won Tae-in started the home game against Doosan at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 17th, pitching 7 innings, allowing 4 hits, striking out 3, and not allowing any runs. This was his 6th win of the season.

Samsung's starting lineup included center fielder Kim Ji-chan, right fielder Kim Seong-yoon, designated hitter Koo Ja-wook, first baseman Lewin Diaz, catcher Kang Min-ho, shortstop Lee Jae-hyun, second baseman Ryu Ji-hyuk, third baseman Kim Young-woong, and left fielder Park Seung-kyu. The hot Samsung lineup produced 22 hits, including 3 home runs, setting a new team record for most hits in a single game this season.

Kim Seong-yoon (2 hits, 1 RBI, 2 runs in 4 at-bats), Koo Ja-wook (4 hits, 3 RBIs, 2 runs in 6 at-bats), Diaz (3 hits, 1 home run, 3 RBIs, 1 run in 6 at-bats), Kang Min-ho (3 hits, 1 home run, 3 RBIs, 1 run in 5 at-bats), Ryu Ji-hyuk (3 hits, 2 runs in 3 at-bats), Park Seung-kyu (3 hits, 1 home run, 2 RBIs, 2 runs in 4 at-bats) showed balanced performances.

In contrast, Doosan's starting foreign pitcher Cole Irvin fell apart after throwing 96 pitches in 2⅔ innings, allowing 13 hits (2 home runs), 2 walks, striking out 3, and giving up 8 runs.

Manager Park Jin-man noted, "The return of Won Tae-in showed an ace-like performance," and added, "Because he provided solid support, the lineup seemed to perform better than usual. An ace is indeed reassuring."

He also added, "Diaz opened the scoring early, allowing us to take the lead easily, which energized the entire lineup." The defense was remarkable. Manager Park Jin-man praised, "The infield also made 3 double plays, excellently supporting Won Tae-in on the mound."

Meanwhile, Samsung will start left-hander Lee Seung-hyun on the 18th. He has recorded 3 wins and 6 losses with an earned run average of 4.83 over 12 games this season. He is maintaining positive momentum after adding wins against the SSG Landers on the 5th and the KIA Tigers on the 12th.

Facing them, Doosan has announced that Choi Min-seok will be their starting pitcher. He has recorded 1 win and 1 loss with an earned run average of 3.45 over 4 games this season.

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