'Two outs, bases loaded' Kim Geon-hee: Did she not see the pitch aimed at her? Seol Jong-jin answers, "I judged it didn't hit her at the time → No need to give time to a shaken opponent..."

*This content was translated by AI.

As Kiwoom Heroes secured a disappointing draw against KT Wiz after an extra-inning battle the previous day (the 9th), manager Seol Jong-jin (53) spoke about the controversial situation in the bottom of the 10th inning with two outs and bases loaded involving Kim Geon-hee at bat.

A controversial situation arose in the bottom of the 10th inning with two outs and bases loaded during the Kiwoom vs. KT game held at Gocheok Sky Dome on the 9th. In a two-out, bases-loaded walk-off situation, Kim Geon-hee unfortunately struck out on a swing-and-miss. A scene was captured where a pitch thrown by KT pitcher Woo Kyu-min, which came deep inside on the body, appeared to graze Kim Geon-hee's collar. However, the Kiwoom bench proceeded with the game without requesting a video review. Ultimately, Kiwoom failed to score in the walk-off opportunity and missed the chance to break their losing streak.

Ahead of the game on the 10th, manager Seol Jong-jin met with reporters and frankly stated regarding the situation at the time, "I judged that it did not hit her." Manager Seol added, "In fact, I did make eye contact with (Kim) Geon-hee," and pointed out the circumstances at the time.

The decisive reason for not requesting a video review was a judgment based on the opposing pitcher's condition. Manager Seol explained, "I was torn about whether to request a video review, but I decided to focus more on the fact that KT pitcher Woo Kyu-min was shaken after being hit by a batted ball and then throwing." With one out and bases loaded, Woo Kyu-min had been hit on the shin by a previous batter, Ju Seong-won. Displaying fighting spirit, Woo Kyu-min fielded the ball and completed a throw to home plate, catching Seo Geon-chang, who was heading from third base toward home. After this scene, Woo Kyu-min started against Kim Geon-hee with two balls.

He continued, "I thought that in a situation where the pitcher was shaken, we did not need to cut off the flow or give time," and added, "In the end, it turned out regretfully, but at the time, I judged that it was right to continue the game as is to exploit the opponent's openings."

Meanwhile, on this day, Kiwoom set up a starting lineup consisting of Park Ju-hong (center fielder), Seo Geon-chang (designated hitter), An Chi-hong (second baseman), Choi Ju-hwan (first baseman), Im Byung-wook (left fielder), Ju Seong-won (right fielder), Yang Hyeon-jong (third baseman), Park Sung-bin (catcher), and Kwon Hyuk-bin (shortstop). The starting pitcher was 'right-handed rookie' Park Jun-hyun. The starting catcher for this day was Park Sung-bin (22). Not only is he of a similar age to Park Jun-hyun, but they also played together in the Futures League (minor league), so he wore the starting catcher's mask.

Manager Seol Jong-jin also stated, "First, we had to give rest to (Kim) Geon-hee, who had been running non-stop alone," and "Park Sung-bin is familiar with Park Jun-hyun, so we put him in as the starter to try to get their chemistry." Park Sung-bin's start comes 742 days after his last start on April 28, 2024, against Samsung at Gocheok, drawing even more expectations.

With the disappointment of the previous day left behind, fans' attention is focused on whether Kiwoom, aiming to break their five-game losing streak, can sound the victory horn at their home field in Gocheok.

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*This content was translated by AI.