'Wa' and Ha Young-min's 7-inning scoreless performance was incredible! Kiwoom breaks 5-game losing streak by defeating KT with home runs from Park Ju-hong and Choo Jae-hyun [Suwon On-the-Ground Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

The Kiwoom Heroes snapped their frustrating five-game losing streak with a dazzling performance from starter Ha Young-min and two home runs. Unlike the previous two head-to-head games where Kiwoom fell behind after surrendering the first run, the team dominated KT Wiz through a harmonious blend of pitching and hitting, successfully turning the tide.

On the 19th, Kiwoom secured a 3-1 victory over KT in a home game at Suwon KT Wiz Park in the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League'. Although Kiwoom led 3-0 and surrendered one run in the bottom of the 9th inning, they effectively repelled KT's persistent comeback attempts.

With this win, Kiwoom escaped the five-game losing streak that began with the match against Gwangju KIA Tigers on the 14th. Simultaneously, they broke their four-game losing streak against KT that had continued since last season. Meanwhile, KT's winning streak came to an end at four games.

For this game, Kiwoom set its starting lineup in the following order: Lee Ju-hyung (center field), Park Ju-hong (left field), An Chi-hong (second base), Brooks (first base), Choo Jae-hyun (right field), Choi Ju-hwan (designated hitter), Kim Dong-heon (catcher), Kim Ji-seok (third base), and Song Ji-hoo (shortstop). The starting pitcher was right-hander Ha Young-min.

In response, KT arranged its batting order as follows: Choi Won-jun (right field), Kim Sang-soo (second base), Kim Hyun-soo (first base), Jang Sung-woo (designated hitter), Hilliard (left field), Bae Jung-dae (center field), Jang Jun-won (third base), Han Seung-taek (catcher), and Lee Kang-min (shortstop). The starting pitcher was 'Submarine' Ko Young-pyo.

While Kiwoom had surrendered the first run in both of the previous two head-to-head games, the situation was different today. In the top of the 4th inning, leadoff batter Park Ju-hong, with a favorable 2-ball-1-strike count, connected with Ko Young-pyo's fourth pitch (a 135 km/h fastball) and hit a solo home run over the center-field fence. This was Park Ju-hong's second home run of the season, an enormous blast traveling a distance of 140.1 meters.

In the top of the 6th inning, Kiwoom added another run. With two outs and no runners on base, Choo Jae-hyun, stepping into the batter's box, hit Ko Young-pyo's sixth pitch (a 119 km/h changeup) over the right-field fence on a full count. The ball traveled 111.7 meters. This was Choo Jae-hyun's first home run of the season.

In the 7th inning, Kiwoom again sent leadoff batter Kim Dong-heon to the plate. Kim Ji-seok then laid down a bunt to create a runner at second base with one out. Although Song Ji-hoo grounded out, Lee Ju-hyung hit a two-run double to center-left field with two outs, extending the lead to 3-0.

KT missed a crucial opportunity in the bottom of the 8th inning. After one out, Han Seung-taek's ground ball to third base resulted in an error, allowing subsequent pinch-hitter Oh Yun-seok to get a hit and create a bases-empty, 1st-and-2nd situation with no outs. Although Choi Won-jun struck out, Kim Sang-soo drew a walk. However, with the bases loaded and two outs, Kim Hyun-soo struck out, hanging his head in disappointment.

KT had another chance in the bottom of the 9th inning. Leadoff batter Jang Sung-woo reached base on a walk, and Hilliard followed with a double to right field, creating a bases-empty, 2nd-and-3rd situation with no outs. However, Bae Jung-dae was thrown out on a ground ball to third base. Although Jang Jun-won hit a ground ball to the shortstop to bring Jang Sung-woo home, they were unable to turn the game around.

Kiwoom starter Ha Young-min completely shut down the KT lineup. He delivered an outstanding performance with 7 innings, 3 hits, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts, and 0 earned runs, achieving a Quality Start Plus (7+ innings with 3 or fewer earned runs). Relievers Park Jeong-hoon, Yoo To, and Kim Jae-woong successfully maintained the lead.

KT starter Ko Young-pyo pitched well with 6 innings, 5 hits (2 home runs), 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, and 2 earned runs, but unfortunately received no run support, resulting in his second loss of the season (1 win).

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*This content was translated by AI.