"Cho Byung-hyun hit two consecutive walk-off home runs, but this is also part of the process → No closer change," Manager Lee Sung-yong states firmly

*This content was translated by AI.

SSG Landers manager Lee Sung-yong (55) showed unwavering trust in closer Cho Byung-hyun (24), who swallowed his disappointment after allowing walk-off hits in two consecutive games. At the same time, he firmly drew a line against speculation regarding a potential closer change or demotion to the minor league.

On the 21st, ahead of the away game against Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome, manager Lee Sung-yong met with reporters. When asked about Cho Byung-hyun's condition, he said, "Since he has pitched on two consecutive days, he will rest today (21st)." However, when asked if there were plans to adjust his role or demote him to the minor league, he firmly stated, "No. I am resolute," making it clear that no such adjustments are being considered.

Cho Byung-hyun has become the losing pitcher in three consecutive games, bowing his head on the mound. This is a harsh trial for a young pitcher who has just entered his second year as the primary closer.

Regarding this, manager Lee personally confirmed that he held a one-on-one meeting with Cho Byung-hyun. Manager Lee Sung-yong said, "I told (Cho) Byung-hyun not to be intimidated. If we look at it coldly, he is now in his second year as a closer. He showed excellent performance last season and had a lot of confidence, so his own expectations must have been even higher," soothing the player's mind.

The manager then publicly shared the advice he gave Cho Byung-hyun. Manager Lee said, "I told him to consider this trial as 'part of the process.' As he continues playing baseball, he will face many more situations. If he studies and accepts this experience well, it will become a time he can look back on with great significance after the season ends." He also encouraged him, saying, "I am confident that you will become the best closer in Korea, so please overcome this."

In fact, the manager believes there is no problem with Cho Byung-hyun's raw stuff. The manager stated, "There is no reason to adjust his technical skills or physical condition. In the game on the 20th, the ball consistently reached over 145 km/h, and the walk-off hit was a well-placed low outside pitch, but it was hit. The opposing batter simply hit it well. Byung-hyun still threw his own pitches," he analyzed.

He clearly emphasized that the blame for the loss lies with the manager, not the player. Manager Lee said, "As I always say, I take full responsibility for losses. I believe the player will become stronger through such experiences," revealing his sense of responsibility as the team leader. It is reported that Cho Byung-hyun, in response to the manager's trust, bravely said, "Please put me in again (in save situations)."

Regarding the recent consecutive runs allowed by the bullpen, the manager judged it to be a combination of 'bad luck' and 'process.' The manager said, "This season, it seems that one mistake pitch has uniquely led to hits or runs, indicating a lack of luck. Nevertheless, after yesterday's game, the players, front office, and coaching staff gathered together to create a light-hearted atmosphere where we could laugh." He added, "Our bullpen has performed exceptionally well so far, and our starters are also striving hard. If we get through this hurdle well, we will reach our desired statistics by the end of the season," expressing trust in the entire team.

However, rest was granted to Cho Byung-hyun and No Kyung-eun, who have accumulated fatigue from pitching on two consecutive days. In today's game, Moon Seung-won is scheduled to appear if a save situation arises.

Meanwhile, SSG lined up to break their three-game losing streak with the following batting order: Park Sung-han (shortstop), Jung Jun-jae (second baseman), Choi Ji-hoon (center fielder), Heredia (left fielder), Kim Jae-hwan (designated hitter), Ahn Sang-hyun (third baseman), Oh Tae-gon (first baseman), Kim Min-sik (catcher), and Kim Jeong-min (right fielder). The starting pitcher was left-hander Kojiro.

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*This content was translated by AI.