'Even An Woo-jin couldn't stop it.' KT's acquisition pays off as they surge to four consecutive wins, now tied with 'top-ranked' Samsung in second place with 0 games behind, while Kiwoom sinks into a five-game losing streak [Suwon Field Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

KT Wiz, showcasing a perfect harmony between pitching and hitting, defeated Kiwoom Heroes and extended their winning streak to four games. Clutch hits with runners in scoring position and sharp focus in the late innings shone brightly.

On the 18th, KT secured a 4-2 victory at Suwon KT Wiz Park in a home game against Kiwoom in the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League', holding onto an early lead throughout the game. Scoring the first run on consecutive days, KT clinched a winning series.

With four consecutive wins, KT solidified its sole second-place position, now tied with top-ranked Samsung Lions with no games behind. Meanwhile, Kiwoom fell into a five-game losing streak.

KT's starting lineup for the day featured Choi Won-jun (right field), Kim Sang-soo (second base), Kim Hyun-soo (first base), Jang Seong-woo (designated hitter), Hilliard (left field), Bae Jeong-dae (center field), Jang Jun-won (third base), Han Seung-taek (catcher), and Lee Kang-min (shortstop). The starting pitcher was right-hander Caleb Boshly.

Kiwoom countered with a lineup consisting of Lee Ju-hyung (center field), Park Ju-hong (left field), An Chi-hong (second base), Brooks (first base), Kim Geon-hee (catcher), Park Chan-hyeok (right field), Choi Ju-hwan (designated hitter), Song Ji-hoo (shortstop), and Kim Ji-seok (third base). Starting pitcher was right-hander fireballer An Woo-jin.

KT took the lead for the second consecutive day. In the bottom of the second inning, leadoff hitter Hilliard drew a walk after a full-count battle against An Woo-jin. A fielder's choice by Bae Jeong-dae resulted in a groundout to shortstop, leaving one out with runners on second base. Subsequently, Jang Jun-won hit a two-run double to left-center, putting KT ahead 1-0.

In the bottom of the fourth, KT extended its lead. After two outs, consecutive hits by Han Seung-taek and Lee Kang-min loaded the bases. Choi Won-jun then hit a two-run double off the right-field wall, pushing the score to 3-0.

However, Kiwoom did not stay silent. In the top of the sixth, leadoff hitter Lee Ju-hyung reached base with a single to right field. Park Ju-hong followed with a double to right field, creating a bases-loaded situation with no outs. An Chi-hong then drove Lee Ju-hyung home with a single to center field. Brooks added a single to right field, narrowing the gap to 3-2.

Kiwoom seized an opportunity in the top of the seventh with a single to left field by leadoff hitter Kim Ji-seok, but failed to capitalize. Park Ju-hong drew a hit-by-pitch, advancing to first base with two outs and runners on first and second, but An Chi-hong's potential RBI single did not materialize.

KT then added another run in the bottom of the seventh. Leadoff hitter Choi Won-jun singled to center field. Kim Sang-soo followed with a sacrifice bunt, moving Choi to second base. Subsequently, Kim Hyun-soo hit a single to left-center, extending the lead to 4-2. KT successfully maintained its two-run advantage. Han Seung-hyuk pitched a scoreless eighth inning with two strikeouts, and Park Young-hyun held Kiwoom scoreless in the ninth. In the top of the ninth, with two outs, pinch-hitter Lee Hyung-jong hit a double to left-center, but that was as far as Kiwoom could go.

KT's pitching staff delivered back-to-back scoreless outings. Starting pitcher Boshly earned the win with six innings, seven hits allowed, four strikeouts, and two earned runs. Succeeding pitchers Sugimoto, Han Seung-hyuk, and Park Young-hyun all held Kiwoom scoreless, securing the victory. In contrast, Kiwoom's starter An Woo-jin allowed one run on two hits and one walk over two innings. Relief pitcher Bae Dong-hyun, who followed, pitched 4⅓ innings, allowing six hits, six strikeouts, two walks, and three earned runs, failing to stop the losing streak.

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*This content was translated by AI.