"There are many games where we get crushed when we lose," manager Yeom Kyung-yeop apologized to fans and gave players "one" specific instruction: "You don't need to have skill..."

*This content was translated by AI.

"I'm sorry to the fans. There are many games where we get crushed when we lose..."

LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) apologized to fans due to the team's inconsistent recent performance. At the same time, he gave players just one specific instruction.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop, ahead of the the 24th game against Kiwoom Heroes at Jamsil, said with a bitter smile, "This year, I really wanted us to lose well when we lose, but that's not happening. We started the season aiming for many comeback wins like last year, but the team situation is not going well."

Last year, LG, which won the championship, secured 32 comeback wins (4th in the league) thanks to a powerful lineup despite an unstable defense. This year, it's not as easy. As of the end of the the 24th game, there were only 10 comeback wins, with Park Hae-min's walk-off three-run homer just pushing the total into double digits. The team is tied for 5th place with Doosan Bears and Samsung Lions.

The biggest issue is the string of injuries among key players. Starting with Son Ju-young's injury just before the season opener, closer Yoo Young-chan, starting third baseman Moon Bo-kyung, and outfielder Moon Sung-ju, four starters have been sidelined. As a result, LG has been in a constant struggle throughout May. They have even called up all available resources from the Futures League. Despite this, the team's ERA stands at 5.34 (7th in the league), and the team batting average is 0.250 (9th in the league), with both pitching and hitting facing their limits.

Selection and concentration were inevitable strategies. Since May, LG has suffered many lopsided defeats by five runs or more. With 2 wins and 6 losses, they have the second-most such losses in the league, only behind Kiwoom (2 wins, 8 losses). However, in close games decided by two runs or fewer, they have a record of 7 wins and 2 losses (2nd in the league in winning percentage; 1st is KT with 4 wins and 1 loss). This is why they recorded 11 wins and 9 losses in May (4th in the league) and are still in contention for the top spot, trailing the leader by just 0.5 games.

On this point, the manager asked for fans' understanding. Manager Yeom emphasized, "Regardless, I'm sorry to the fans. Who would want to come watch a game like that? There is definitely a sense of guilt about that." However, he added, "I have to look at the team and the overall season race. I'm sorry to the fans, but we must make selections and concentrate. It's a time when I have to make such decisions even if I get criticized." He bowed his head.

This is also why gratitude to the spectators is always included in post-game interviews with the winning manager. However, he wanted players to give their best effort in every moment, even when losing. Manager Yeom stated firmly, "I always emphasize to players that even if they lack skill or make errors, they must do their best. Only then will fans accept it. If they make an error and then play half-heartedly, that's truly unacceptable."

He continued, "As long as I have the ability, I want to see them challenge boldly and win. Only then will fans applaud and wait for them. Fans didn't come to watch us get crushed. If they try bravely to do something, fans might understand and say, 'They're trying hard, but their skills are lacking.' I hope they don't show signs of anxiety or hesitation."

The the 24th victory against Kiwoom was a game where the players met the manager's expectations. On that day, the 23rd sellout crowd of the season (23,750 fans) visited Jamsil Baseball Stadium, and the team overturned a deficit that had lasted for three hours in just a few minutes. In the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs and a 3-4 deficit, pinch-hitter Lee Jae-won capitalized on an opponent's error and sprinted to second base, creating a scoring opportunity. Hong Chang-gi reached base via a walk after a full-count battle. Captain Park Hae-min hit his career-first walk-off home run with a 1-ball, 2-strike count, bringing the victory to the home fans.

After the game, Manager Yeom said, "Today, the coaching staff and players didn't give up and kept fighting until the end, which led to the victory. Thanks to the many fans who came despite the hot weather for the weekend afternoon game and cheered for us, our players were able to pull off a nice comeback win after a long time. Thank you." He expressed his sincere gratitude.

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*This content was translated by AI.