'Thrilling two-game winning streak' Doosan Bears manager Kim Won-hyung praises lower-order batters as much as Park Jun-soon [Jamsil on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Won-hyung (50), manager of the Doosan Bears, offered praise for the team's lower-order batters, just as he did for Park Jun-soon (20), the hero of the go-ahead hit.

After securing a thrilling 8-5 victory over the Samsung Lions in a home game at Seoul Jamsil Stadium on April 30, Manager Kim said, "Park Jun-soon did not miss the ball that came into his zone despite the difficult situation with two outs in the 8th inning, driving in the crucial go-ahead RBI." He added, "The lower-order batters showed determination to reach base no matter what, creating opportunities, and Park Jun-soon handled them beautifully."

On this day, Doosan trailed 0-1 and managed to take the lead with five runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning, but failed to extend their lead further, making for a difficult game. They allowed one run each in the 4th and 5th innings, then surrendered two more in the 7th, ultimately ending in a 5-5 tie.

In the bottom of the 8th inning, when the threat of a comeback loss loomed, the focus of the lower-order batters shone, just as Manager Kim had predicted.

Leadoff batter No. 7 Park Ji-hoon hit a grounder to the third baseman off pitcher Kim Tae-hoon's fifth pitch with a 2-2 count, then sprinted to first base. Samsung third baseman Jeon Byeong-woo fielded the ball and threw to first, but it took one bounce and went past first baseman Diaz. Officially recorded as an infield hit.

Next batter No. 8 Yoon Jun-ho bunted the first pitch, but it was a foul ball. On the second pitch, he successfully executed a sacrifice bunt to the pitcher, creating a scoring opportunity with one out and runners on second base.

No. 9 Jung Soobin calmly selected pitches without being greedy. Kim Tae-hoon threw four consecutive balls without a single strike, bringing the situation to the brink.

Thanks to the persistent efforts of the lower-order batters, Doosan found themselves with two outs and bases loaded. Park Jun-soon then hit a two-run double, driving in three runs to secure the victory.

Manager Kim did not forget to encourage his pitchers. Choi Jun-ho, who entered in the top of the 8th and pitched a scoreless inning against Samsung's 1st through 4th batters, earned his first win of the season. Lee Young-ha, who took over as closer in place of the injured Kim Taek-yeon, shut out the top of the 9th inning, recording his first save since the June 6, 2024, game against the NC Dinos in Changwon, after 693 days.

Manager Kim expressed satisfaction, saying, "I also want to praise Choi Jun-ho for boldly holding the line in the 8th. He faced a tough lineup (Park Seung-kyu, Kim Sung-yoon, Choi Hyung-woo, Diaz) but did not get intimidated and pitched aggressively." He added, "Closer Lee Young-ha also pitched exceptionally well today, following his scoreless inning in the 9th against Samsung yesterday (29th)."

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*This content was translated by AI.