'Double play-double play-double play-double play-double play' Manager Lee Ho-jun, encouraged the team despite a heartbreaking shutout loss: "Such games can happen" [Suwon Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

NC Dinos Manager Lee Ho-jun (50) encouraged his players the previous day (21st) despite a heartbreaking shutout loss.

Ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season away game against KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 22nd, Manager Lee Ho-jun reflected on the previous game: "I didn't think we wouldn't score a single run, so I am very disappointed. I believe it was a matter of bad luck. Some well-hit balls went straight to the fielders. About three of them were well-hit, but even though it's disappointing, I hope the players have forgotten yesterday's game."

NC lost 0-1 to the Jamsil Doosan Bears the previous day after surrendering a total of five double plays. It began in the bottom of the 2nd inning with one out when Park Geon-woo hit a first-pitch double play. In the bottom of the 3rd with one out, Kim Han-byul hit another first-pitch double play, and the inning ended in the bottom of the 4th with one out and a runner on first base when Lee Woo-seong hit a double play.

In the bottom of the 5th with one out and a runner on first, Kim Hyung-jun grounded into a double play to the shortstop, resulting in four consecutive double plays. In the 6th, Kim Ju-won's hit was caught as a line drive to the shortstop, and even Park Min-woo's hit in the 9th with one out and a runner on first went to Doosan shortstop Park Chan-ho, leading to a futile loss of the game.

With NC now in a three-game losing streak, they fell to the bottom of the league with 18 wins, 1 tie, and 25 losses. The manager calmly accepted the result. Manager Lee Ho-jun said, "Overall, our batting condition is not bad. Such games can happen. If we have good batting today, it will disappear quickly." He added, "I keep telling the players the same thing. I am encouraging them to say that the veterans are doing well to keep the mood from sinking, and the staff should fight harder regardless of whether we win or lose."

NC's lineup today consisted of Kim Ju-won (shortstop), Han Seok-hyun (right fielder), Park Min-woo (second baseman), Park Geon-woo (designated hitter), Lee Woo-seong (left fielder), Matt Davidson (first baseman), Do Tae-hoon (third baseman), Kim Hyung-jun (catcher), and Choi Jeong-won (center fielder). The starting pitcher was Kim Tae-kyung (25). Originally, Shin Min-hyuk (27) was scheduled to start, but Kim Tae-kyung took his place due to recent elbow pain. This year, Kim Tae-kyung has posted good results with 6 games, an ERA of 0.87, 10 1/3 innings, 11 strikeouts, and a batting average against of 0.219.

Manager Lee Ho-jun said, "(Shin) Min-hyuk was reported to have simple inflammation. The next turn will be difficult, but it is not serious." He added, "There is no limit on the number of pitches for (Kim) Tae-kyung today. He is a pitcher who has been starting for the team continuously. If he pitches well, he can go long."

KT countered with a lineup of Choi Won-jun (right fielder), Yoo Jun-gyu (center fielder), Kim Hyun-soo (first baseman), Sam Hilliard (left fielder), Kim Min-hyuk (designated hitter), Kim Sang-su (second baseman), Heo Kyung-min (third baseman), Han Seung-taek (catcher), and Kwon Dong-jin (shortstop). The starting pitcher was Ko Young-pyo.

KT also has a poor recent record of 2 wins, 1 tie, and 7 losses in their last 10 games, but they have no time to worry about it. Manager Lee Ho-jun said, "Ko Young-pyo is not an easy pitcher to face. However, we are not in a position to judge whether the opponent is easy or strong right now. If the players can avoid feeling burdened, they can perform well."

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

*This content was translated by AI.