"It is hard to say that (Ha) Ju-seok made a mistake." With 111 career stolen bases, even Shin Min-jae would have found it difficult in that situation in the bottom of the 9th inning; the opposing manager understood the 'wavering' veteran. [Daejeon Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

"Rather than saying (Ha) Ju-seok made a mistake, I see it as a result-oriented judgment. Even players like Park Hae-min and Choi Won-young on our team might have struggled. Shin Min-jae would not have found it easy either."

LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) expressed understanding of Hanwha Eagles' regrettable base-running play that led to their loss the previous day (the 8th).

Ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season away game against Hanwha Eagles at Daejeon Hanwha Life Baseball Park on the 9th, manager Yeom Kyung-yeop cautiously stated, "Since Lee Won-seok's hit was extremely short, it was a very difficult play to say (Ha) Ju-seok made a mistake."

The previous day, Hanwha missed a heartbreaking walk-off opportunity in the bottom of the 9th inning with the score tied 8-8, one out, and runners on second and third. Third baseman Ha Ju-seok did not attempt to score when Lee Won-seok hit a line drive to right field. Ultimately, the follow-up batter failed to get a hit, preventing a comeback, and Hanwha lost 8-9 in the 11th inning after Park Hae-min hit the game-winning run.

Following the game, many fans criticized Ha Ju-seok's actions. Some argued that even if he wanted to run after confirming Hong Chang-gi caught the ball, there wasn't enough time to retouch third base. Given that Lee Won-seok's hit was sharp, making it difficult to predict Hong Chang-gi would catch it easily, the criticism toward Ha Ju-seok appeared reasonable.

However, manager Yeom Kyung-yeop, noting Shin Min-jae (30, LG) has 111 career stolen bases, believed even such a fast runner would have found the situation challenging. When asked by reporters about the situation, Manager Yeom said, "First, (Hong) Chang-gi made an excellent catch. That is baseball." He added, "The runner (Ha Ju-seok) started running when contact was made, but the hit was too short. Unless a runner has exceptional speed, most would have chosen to go halfway in that situation."

Runners typically choose to go halfway from the base, and unless a runner has exceptional speed, making that choice would not have been easy.

Manager Yeom stated, "If the runner had not gone halfway but instead retouched and tried to score, the probability of being out would have been high. (Hong) Chang-gi does not have a weak arm, so the throw would have been a no-bounce throw immediately. In that case, people might have questioned why the runner didn't go halfway."

He continued, "If we consider our team, players like (Park) Hae-min or (Choi) Won-young might have managed it. Even (Shin) Min-jae, in my view, would not have found it easy. Only players with that level of speed would not hesitate to go halfway even with a short hit, as they would feel confident reaching home. That is a play limited to such exceptional athletes."

Of course, the manager understands the fans' disappointment. Manager Yeom said, "Rather than saying someone made a mistake, I see it as a result-oriented discussion. While we find it a very difficult play, fans judge based on the outcome, so that is understandable."

On this day, LG lined up with Hong Chang-gi (center field), Gu Bon-hyuk (second base), Song Chan-ui (left field), Austin Dean (first base), Oh Ji-hwan (shortstop), Cheon Seong-ho (third base), Lee Jae-won (right field), Park Dong-won (catcher), and Kim Sung-jin (designated hitter). The starting pitcher was Yoni Chirinos.

Hanwha countered with a lineup featuring Lee Jin-young (center field), Yonatan Peraza (right field), Moon Hyun-bin (left field), Kang Baek-ho (designated hitter), Noh Si-hwan (third base), Heo In-seo (catcher), Kim Tae-yeon (first base), Lee Do-yoon (shortstop), and Hwang Young-mok (second base). The starting pitcher was Wang Yencheng.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.