It was a pitch that elicited admiration.
The fireballer duo of Hong Min-ki and Yoon Sung-bin from the Lotte Giants completely restrained the Samsung Lions lineup. On the 22nd during the Samsung match at Sajik, Hong Min-ki, who came in as the second pitcher after starter Park Se-woong, showcased a perfect 3-inning scoreless performance.
He threw 26 pitches and gave up only 1 hit. He did not allow a single walk and struck out 6 Samjin. His speed reached a maximum of 154 km/h, accompanied by a curve and slider.
In the 4th inning, trailing 3-6, Hong Min-ki, who took over the mound after Park Se-woong, defeated the first batter, Koo Ja-wook, with a 3-pitch swinging strikeout. He then induced a swing and miss on a 153 km/h fastball on the 5th pitch against Lewin Diaz with a ball count of 2B-2S. After making 2 outs, he forced Park Byung-ho to hit a line drive to the shortstop, ending the inning.
In the 5th inning, Hong Min-ki subdued lead-off batters Ryu Ji-hyeok and Kim Jae-sung with consecutive swinging strikeouts, and he made Jeon Byeong-woo fly out to left field. In the 6th inning, he struck out Yang Do-geun and Kim Ji-chan in succession before allowing a right-field double to Kim Sung-yun. However, Hong Min-ki collected himself and caught Koo Ja-wook's fly ball to right field, ending the inning.
Yoon Sung-bin, who took over the baton, handled the first hitters Diaz and Park Byung-ho with fly balls to center field in the 7th inning. After making 2 outs, he struck out Ryu Ji-hyeok with a standing strikeout after a full count. His maximum speed reached an impressive 158 km/h.
Lotte, with the league's top batting average, demonstrated focus in the 7th inning, trailing 3-6, scoring 6 runs and successfully turning the game around to lead 9-6. Seizing momentum, Lotte brought in Jeong Cheol-won (1 inning, 1 strikeout, scoreless) in the 8th and Choi Jun-yong (1 inning, 2 strikeouts, scoreless) in the 9th to secure a 3-run victory. With this, Lotte defeated Samsung 9-6, achieving their 4th consecutive win since the match against the Hanwha Eagles on the 18th. Yoon Sung-bin tasted victory for the first time in 2,462 days since the match against the NC Dinos on September 25, 2018.
Manager Kim Tae-hyoung noted, "In the early part of the game, when we were trailing, Hong Min-ki did a great job holding the game scoreless for 3 innings, and Yoon Sung-bin overcame the pressure and did well for 1 inning, allowing us to lay the groundwork for the win."
He added, "The entire team was able to focus without losing concentration in a tough situation and connected to the winning hit by Kim Min-sung in the 7th. Once again, I want to convey my appreciation to the team for their hard work in difficult games."
With a 3-inning scoreless performance laying the foundation for a comeback victory, Hong Min-ki said, "I approached the game with the mindset that I must hold it at all costs, and I felt a sense of responsibility to change the team's atmosphere. I prepared in advance to ensure that I could jump right into the game without issues, and I think my condition wasn't bad today. The coaches believed in those aspects and provided confidence, which was a great help."
Hong Min-ki also mentioned, "I sincerely thank the first-team and Futures coaching staff for their meticulous guidance and the support from the staff throughout my training. I will strive to ensure that I can fulfill my role in any position and become a player who contributes to the team."
Yoon Sung-bin said, "It’s been a while since I've tasted victory since 2018. Rather than focusing on my role, the passionate support from fans wearing the uniform and the concentration of the fielders created this comeback victory."
He continued, "Since I started as a starter this season, I prepared for bullpen appearances in the Futures. I communicated a lot with the coaches in the Futures and did the necessary training for bullpen pitching."
He also stated, "I pitched in the bullpen today in Incheon and Sajik. Personally, I felt that bullpen pitching suited me better. The thought of 'let's give it our all for just 1 inning and come off' was a big help."
Having tasted victory for the first time in 7 years, Yoon Sung-bin expressed, "I am grateful to the manager and coaches for giving me the opportunity, and I will do my utmost to help the team in the position I am entrusted with."
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