'6walk+6hits' yielding 'merely' 1 run: NC Dinos' lineup overhaul, Matt Davidson moved to 6th spot → Lee Ho-jun sighs, "I don't want to change it either, but I have to..."

*This content was translated by AI.

"I don't want to keep changing the lineup either, but we have to win the game."

NC Dinos manager Lee Ho-jun (50) is facing deep concerns. With a lineup that remains silent whenever chances arise, he has finally drawn the sword of a "major overhaul." Foreign hitter Matt Davidson will be used as the team's second 6th-place hitter this season.

Ahead of their away game against Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul, on the 22nd, NC Dinos made a bold lineup change. The most notable shift involves the heart of the batting order. Matt Davidson, who batted 4th the previous day, has been moved down to 6th, while Park Geon-woo will take over the 4th spot as designated hitter. Notably, Davidson returns to the 6th spot for the first time since the game against SSG Landers at home on the 18th, after a three-game absence from that position.

Manager Lee Ho-jun told reporters before the game, "Personally, I wanted to keep the 1st through 5th spots fixed, but after watching yesterday's game, I felt our 4th hitter (Davidson) would be more comfortable in a different spot in the order. It's a strategic move, but changing the lineup every time is indeed difficult."

NC's core issue is the lack of "stability." With the lineup failing to function organically, the team struggles to score in scoring position. Manager Lee explained, "Without stability in the batting order, we can't generate runs, which leads to overall team stagnation. If just one player could hit wildly, the players behind them could buy time. But since we keep failing to score, the players appear to be mentally discouraged and losing confidence."

Analysis from the data team also supported the lineup change. According to Manager Lee, NC's batting average in scoring position for both the 1st and 4th spots is at rock bottom. He added, "It's strange that we get so many chances in those spots, yet we can't solve the problem," expressing his frustration.

The changes extended beyond the lineup. NC removed right-handed pitcher Lee Jun-hyeok (23) from the 1st-man roster and immediately called up right-handed sidearm pitcher Won Jong-hae (21). Regarding Lee Jun-hyeok, Manager Lee stated, "He has good stuff, but we need to adjust his pitch count. We decided he needs time in the 2nd division to regroup his thoughts."

Won Jong-hae, newly added to the roster, is expected to pitch behind starter Shin Min-hyuk today. Manager Lee said, "Won Jong-hae has a 0.00 ERA in three Futures League games. The timing worked out perfectly for his promotion. With heavy pitcher usage yesterday, we needed a long reliever today, and he will play a crucial role."

It remains to be seen whether NC, after its major lineup overhaul, can break the silence at Gocheok and find a turning point for a comeback. Today's lineup was arranged as follows: Kim Ju-won (shortstop), Choi Jeong-won (center field), Park Min-woo (second base), Park Geon-woo (designated hitter), Lee Woo-seong (left field), Matt Davidson (first base), Seo Ho-cheol (third base), Han Seok-hyun (right field), and Ahn Jung-yeol (catcher). Starting catcher Kim Hyung-jun, who experienced knee pain during yesterday's game, is expected to avoid playing today if possible.

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*This content was translated by AI.