"Won Tae-in, will he hold back? → Ultimately, the lineup must break through" Samsung+Park Jin-man's expectations after 5-game losing streak

*This content was translated by AI.

The Samsung Lions, mired in a five-game losing streak, are launching a counterattack led by their ace, Won Tae-in (26). Park Jin-man (50), Samsung Lions manager, set a maximum pitch count of 100 for Won Tae-in's start today, signaling his strong determination to end the losing streak.

Ahead of the away game against the Kiwoom Heroes at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 25th, Manager Park met with reporters and openly shared his thoughts on the team's starting rotation and the recent slump in team morale. Park's focus was clearly on Won Tae-in, who is set to start today.

Manager Park stated, "Won Tae-in has completed his buildup through the last game," and added, "While we won't exceed 100 pitches today, our plan is to aim for as close to 100 as possible." This is interpreted as a strategic decision to entrust the ace with a long outing given the team's desperate situation in the five-game losing streak.

In particular, Manager Park said, "There was an unfavorable situation in the previous game, and he will need to hold back," expressing his expectation for Won Tae-in's mental fortitude. The assessment is that if he gains an advantage in the early count battles, there is a solid chance of victory.

Samsung is currently in a five-game losing streak. Their last victory was a 7-2 win against LG on the 18th. On the 19th, an unpleasant incident occurred during Won Tae-in's start, and they suffered a decisive 0-5 defeat. Manager Park attributes the recent losing streak more to the lack of focus in the lineup than to the pitching staff. He diagnosed, "The problem appears to be in batting. They are getting many opportunities but failing to capitalize, which causes games to spiral out of control and puts the pitchers in difficult situations late in the game."

He continued, "We need the core of the lineup to deliver, and that part is somewhat disappointing. However, Diaz hit a hit in yesterday's game, which shifted the mood, so we expect a bit more from him today."

Meanwhile, Samsung set its starting lineup against Kiwoom's starter Ha Young-min as follows: Kim Ji-chan (center fielder), Park Seung-gyu (right fielder), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman), Diaz (first baseman), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Jeon Byeong-woo (third baseman), Kim Heon-kon (left fielder), Kang Min-ho (catcher), and Yang Woo-hyun (shortstop).

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*This content was translated by AI.