*This content was translated by AI.
"It's all the manager's fault."
Hanwha Eagles manager Kim Kyung-mun (68) chose to directly confront the recent controversy over his refusal of video review. Nevertheless, lingering unease persisted because the issue that day was not about video review.
Ahead of the the 17th game against Busan Lotte, manager Kim Kyung-mun emphasized on the 16th regarding the controversy in the Daejeon Hanwha-Samsung game: "When a team keeps losing and falls into negative territory, it should have avoided unnecessary public criticism. The mere fact that such remarks surfaced is the manager's fault. There is no one to blame. Everything is the manager's fault."
This was Hanwha's official stance on not conducting a video review of Chae Eun-sung's (36) hit in the bottom of the 9th inning with one out and no runners on base while trailing 1-6. At the time, Chae Eun-sung's hit appeared to bounce off the ground and land in Kim Ji-chan's glove.
Chae Eun-sung and other Hanwha players on the field requested a video review. The broadcast showed the ball bouncing off the ground, making a review request fully justified. There was also sufficient opportunity for a review. Manager Kim Kyung-mun explained: "I naturally asked the coach. Even if we were losing, how could the manager not ask in that situation? But the call was given as an out."
This can be seen as respecting the umpire's judgment in an ambiguous situation. It is also understandable that the manager, aware that anything could become controversial during a long losing streak, chose caution. However, the reason manager Kim Kyung-mun's remarks did not immediately resonate with fans was that the preceding circumstances were quite different.
That day, Hanwha was trailing 1-5 through the 7th inning as starting pitcher Wang Yen-ching (25), who had been brought in a day early, and Lee Kyo-hoon (26), who recently joined via trade, both faltered.
Looking at the pitching usage afterward, there was clear determination to turn the game around. Even while trailing, Jung Woo-ju (20) and Kim Jong-soo (32), classified as this year's winning lineup, were deployed. As the team failed to recover the score, Jack Cushing (30), recently announced as the new closer, was eventually brought onto the mound in the 9th inning.
The batting lineup decision was also different. Kang Baek-ho (27), the designated 4th hitter scheduled to lead off the top of the 9th, was replaced by Choi In-ho (26). This decision came alongside the choice not to request a video review despite ample opportunity in the late stages of the game. Fans found it confusing whether the team truly wanted to secure this game or not, given the unpredictable decisions.
The veteran's determination to end the losing streak appears firm. He sought to protect Kang Baek-ho (27), the 4th hitter with injury concerns, while the new closer Cushing, who has ample stamina, is ready for consecutive appearances. As a fortunate turn of events, the game on the 17th was canceled due to rain, allowing players exhausted by the losing streak to rest. The starting pitcher was also changed from Park Jun-young (23) to Ryu Hyun-jin (39), slightly increasing the possibility of breaking the losing streak. Ryu Hyun-jin has served as the ace this year with a 2.45 ERA in two games, recording 14 strikeouts over 11 innings.
Regarding the reason for excluding Kang Baek-ho from the starting lineup, manager Kim Kyung-mun stated on the 17th: "We are currently in tight games, and Kang Baek-ho mentioned his legs feel a bit tight. The weather is also poor, so he could be used as a pinch hitter in crucial moments."When asked about the possibility of Cushing pitching consecutively, the manager added: "We are in an emergency situation right now. We must end the losing streak so players can relieve their pressure. The manager, players, and staff will unite our efforts to end the losing streak as soon as possible."
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
