“The players did not give up and did not miss the opportunity they seized.”

The Korea professional baseball team KT Wiz decorated their dramatic victory like the famous saying in the baseball world, ‘It’s not over until it’s over.’ KT staged a dramatic comeback, winning 7-5 against the NC Dinos in a home game at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 21st, overcoming a 5-point deficit. This ended a three-game losing streak since the game against the KIA Tigers on the 17th.

KT constructed their starting lineup with left fielder Kim Sang-su, second baseman Kim Sang-su, right fielder Ahn Hyun-min, designated hitter Lee Jeong-hoon, catcher Jang Seong-woo, first baseman Lee Ho-yeon, third baseman Heo Gyeong-min, center fielder Bae Jeong-dae, and shortstop Kwon Dong-jin. Left-handed pitcher Oh Won-seok took the mound.

NC, led by starting pitcher Mok Ji-hoon, set their batting order as shortstop Kim Ju-won, left fielder Kwon Hee-dong, second baseman Park Min-woo, designated hitter Matt Davidson, right fielder Park Geon-woo, first baseman Seo Ho-cheol, catcher Kim Hyeong-jun, third baseman Kim Hwi-jip, and center fielder Cheon Jae-hwan.

KT did not score a single run until the 7th, but sparked magic in the bottom of the 8th, trailing 0-5.

Leading batter Kim Sang-su drew a walk against the newly entered pitcher Jeon Sa-min after a full count. Ahn Hyun-min also walked. Soon after, Lee Jeong-hoon connected for a hit to right center off Bae Jae-hwan, who took the mound in place of Jeon Sa-min. No outs, bases loaded.

At the plate was Jang Seong-woo. Faced with Bae Jae-hwan and a 3B-2S count, he hit a slider on the sixth pitch for a single to center. The runner on third, Kim Sang-su, walked home comfortably. In the continued bases-loaded situation, Lee Ho-yeon struck out swinging, but Heo Gyeong-min reached base on a hit-by-pitch. It was 2-5. Bae Jeong-dae also earned a walk with outstanding judgment, narrowing the gap to 2 runs.

KT chose Moon Sang-cheol to pinch hit for Oh Yun-seok. In response, NC sent in closer Ryu Jin-wook to try to turn the tide. However, Ryu Jin-wook's second pitch, a fastball (147 km/h), struck Moon Sang-cheol's helmet. Ryu Jin-wook was ejected for the headshot. It was 4-5. Im Jeong-ho, who quickly took the mound, allowed a hit-by-pitch on Kim Min-hyeok, tying the game at 5-5.

In the continued situation with one out and bases loaded, Kim Sang-su hit a single to center, bringing two runners home. It was 7-5. KT, seizing the momentum, brought in ‘super reliever’ Park Young-hyun in the 9th. After two outs, Kwon Hee-dong's double to left center and Park Min-woo's single to right created a second and third base crisis, but handled Son Ah-seob's ground ball to finish the game.

Emerging from the relentless three-game losing streak, manager Lee Kang-cheol said, “Starting pitcher Oh Won-seok did a good job after a long time on the mound. Although relief pitcher Choi Yong-jun allowed runs, I congratulate him on achieving his first victory.”

Manager Lee Kang-cheol also noted, “In terms of the batting lineup, the players did not give up in the bottom of the 8th and did not miss the opportunity they caught once. With continuous opportunities, Kim Sang-su hit the game-winning hit, allowing us to win. The players were able to break the losing streak by showing their concentration. Everyone worked hard.”

Choi Yong-jun faced the mound as the third pitcher in the 8th inning while trailing 0-3, allowing 3 hits and 1 walk over 1 inning with 2 runs, but thanks to the help of the batting lineup, he reported his debut victory.

He expressed his thoughts, saying, “I made it harder for the game by giving up more runs, but my senior batters kept scoring. Thankfully, I was able to achieve an unexpected first victory.”

Choi Yong-jun also added, “It doesn’t feel real to have my first victory. I feel very proud that my first win is recorded. It’s just one win, but it feels like I have taken a long way to play this role. I want to show a good process rather than results for the rest of this season.”

Meanwhile, KT will start William Cuevas in the game on the 22nd. NC's starting pitcher will be Logan Allen.

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