* Translated by AI

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Kim Tae-hyung manager "The lineup is finding its rhythm," satisfied; Na Seung-yeop and Go Seung-min combine for 5 RBIs, with a remarkable 7 multi-hit batters and 16 hits in a burst [Suwon]

Updated:

Shin Hwasup

*This content was translated by AI.

Lotte's Na Seung-yeop (center) is greeted by teammates after hitting a home run against KT in the sixth inning on the 6th. Go Seung-min is on the left. /Photo=Senior reporter Kang Young-jo
Lotte's Na Seung-yeop (center) is greeted by teammates after hitting a home run against KT in the sixth inning on the 6th. Go Seung-min is on the left. /Photo=Senior reporter Kang Young-jo

"The lineup is finding its rhythm."

Kim Tae-hyung (59), manager of the Lotte Giants, expressed satisfaction with his team's batters' performances.

After the Lotte Giants defeated the KT Wiz 8-1 at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 6th, Manager Kim told the club through an official statement: "Starting pitcher Wisely delivered a strong performance over six innings, allowing only one run, laying the foundation for victory. Relief pitchers who followed, along with Gu Seung-min who made his first appearance with the first team in a while, also pitched well. All position players hit effectively, contributing to many runs and securing the win. Overall, the lineup is finding its rhythm."

On this day, Lotte's batters exploded with 16 total hits, including 7 players recording two hits each: 1st through 6th batters Jang Du-seong, Go Seung-min, Reyes, Na Seung-yeop, Jeon Jun-woo, Yoon Dong-hee, and 8th batter Jeon Min-jae. Among them, the key figures in the victory were Na Seung-yeop (24) and Go Seung-min (26), both returning from disciplinary action the previous day (5th).

Lotte's Na Seung-yeop (right) runs around the field after hitting a home run in the sixth inning. /Photo=Senior reporter Kang Young-jo
Lotte's Na Seung-yeop (right) runs around the field after hitting a home run in the sixth inning. /Photo=Senior reporter Kang Young-jo

Starting at fourth spot and first base, Na Seung-yeop hit a massive arching home run over the right-field fence on the second pitch—a inside curveball from Boosley—during the top of the sixth inning with the team leading 2-1, one out, and a 1-0 count. The ball traveled 130 meters. This was his first home run in two games since returning from suspension and his first since September 13, 2023, against the SSG Landers, marking a 235-day drought.

In the top of the seventh inning, with no outs and runners on second base, the game resumed after a 23-minute delay due to rainwater infiltration into the stadium. Na immediately hit a two-run double to center field off pitcher Kwon. His final line for the day was 2-for-5 with 3 RBIs.

Go Seung-min, who also returned the previous day, started at second base and batted second. In the bottom of the third inning, with the team trailing 0-1, one out, and runners on first and second, he hit a two-run double to left-center field, giving Lotte the lead. In the sixth inning, as the leadoff batter, he hit a single to left field, sparking a four-run inning. His final line was 2-for-5 with 2 RBIs. Together with Na Seung-yeop, the pair combined for 4 hits and 5 RBIs.

Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyung (left) watches team training ahead of the KT game on the 6th. /Photo=Senior reporter Kang Young-jo
Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyung (left) watches team training ahead of the KT game on the 6th. /Photo=Senior reporter Kang Young-jo

Both players had previously visited an illegal gambling house during the team's spring training in Taiwan in February and received consecutive 30-game suspensions from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). In their first game back against KT, Go Seung-min started at sixth spot, going 1-for-2 with a walk and one RBI via sacrifice fly. Na Seung-yeop entered as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning, recording 2-for-2 with one RBI.

Before the game, Manager Kim Tae-hyung told reporters: "Both Na Seung-yeop and Go Seung-min are expected to play central roles in our lineup, and they have consistently done so. Their performance yesterday (5th) demonstrated that. I was very pleased with their batting form and their presence at the plate."

While their misconduct as professional baseball players remains a stain, it is clear that their return has significantly strengthened Lotte's lineup.

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*This content was translated by AI.

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