Lotte Giants boasts the 'top-ranked starting pitcher ERA' and the 'domestic strongest one-two punch' of Kim Jin-wook and Na Gyun-an... 'We will surge ahead in May'

*This content was translated by AI.

The alarm for Lotte Giants has begun. Boasting the most solid starting rotation in the KBO League and with returning players joining the ranks, the team is signaling a full-scale counterattack.

On the 3rd, Lotte secured a 5-2 comeback victory against SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field. This was made possible by Victor Reyes' three-run comeback home run in the eighth inning and Kim Jin-wook (24)'s outstanding six-inning performance as the starting pitcher.

With this win, Lotte improved its record to 12 wins, 17 losses, and 1 tie, climbing two spots from last place to eighth. The gap to fifth place is only 1.5 games, meaning the team can easily rise to the middle of the pack if it gains momentum.

The biggest driving force is the performance of the starting rotation. Lotte's team ERA stands at 4.36, ranking fourth. The team batting average is 0.250, ranking ninth.

However, baseball is often called a pitcher's game, and among pitchers, the starting rotation holds the greatest power. This is the key factor that gives hope for Lotte's rebound. Lotte's starting ERA is 3.45, ranking first by a wide margin.

Na Gyun-an (2.34) and Kim Jin-wook (2.55), who performed well on this day, shine as the domestic one-two punch. While it was difficult to expect such performance before the season began, both have secured the fourth and seventh spots in the league ERA rankings, respectively, and are ranked first and second among domestic pitchers. It can be said that the strongest domestic one-two punch is running side by side for Lotte.

Kim Jin-wook, who entered the Lotte Giants as the first overall pick in 2021, is unlike his past struggles due to injuries and poor performance. This season, he has earned the nickname 'Sajik Scuba' and is making the best start as a starting pitcher.

Stability is his greatest weapon. Even on this day, he gave up a walk to the first batter in the first inning and surrendered a run due to a bunt and a fielder's choice, and he allowed a home run to Choi Ji-hoon in the second inning. However, he maintained a stable pitching performance without major fluctuations, covering up to the sixth inning. He threw 87 pitches, recording 6 hits allowed, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts, and 2 earned runs (1 earned run). Although he did not secure the win, he achieved his third quality start of the season (starting pitcher pitching at least 6 innings and allowing 3 or fewer earned runs).

After the game, Kim Jin-wook said, "The team is currently on a good run. Before the game, I thought we had to continue this good momentum, so I had many conversations with Coach Kim Sang-jin, Coach Lee Jae-yul, and the performance analysis team to prepare for the game."

He continued, "Although we gave up runs early, I believe that trusting the lead from (Yoo) Gangnam and pitching aggressively led to good results. I have no regret about not being the winning pitcher. On the contrary, I feel even better that the team scored many runs in the later innings to secure the victory and continue the winning streak. I will do my best in the future to contribute to the team's victory."

Na Gyun-an is also Lotte's hit product this season. After pitching seven innings with two earned runs against SSG on the 2nd to secure his first win of the season (2 losses), he has emerged as the most shining domestic starting pitcher, exceeding everyone's expectations.

Manager Kim Tae-hyung said before the game, "There is not much difference from the early season, but previously, the movement of the breaking balls was too obvious. Even if you have good pitches, it is easy to discuss with the staff, but the pitcher must throw with confidence. I think that part has improved."

He added, "It is fortunate that we got a win yesterday. Even with a good ERA and high evaluation, a starting pitcher must have visible wins." He showed a satisfied smile.

All that is needed is for Park Se-woong, who is still somewhat disappointing, to come back to form. He has been giving up runs in every game, has not had good luck, and currently holds a 0-4 record. Manager Kim expressed his expectation, saying, "We just need Park Se-woong to get one win."

With a stable starting rotation established, Lotte is now ready for a full-scale rebound. Go Seung-min, Na Seung-yeop, and Kim Se-min, who received a 30-game suspension for illegal overseas gambling before the season, will be able to play immediately starting from the 5th. Lotte has now made the preparations to embark on a serious comeback.

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*This content was translated by AI.