Missed again and missed again → 4 runs allowed in one inning, KIA manager Lee Beom-ho offers stern words: "We need to focus a bit more on defense" [Gwangju on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

KIA Tigers manager Lee Beom-ho expressed regret over allowing four runs in the late innings due to defensive errors, despite escaping a three-game losing streak.

On the 2nd, KIA defeated Lotte Giants 5-4 in a regular-season home game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League.

With this win, KIA escaped the three-game losing streak, improving to 29 wins, 1 tie, and 25 losses, securing fourth place. Conversely, Lotte fell into a three-game losing streak, remaining at 21 wins, 1 tie, and 31 losses in ninth place.

It was a hard-fought victory. Starting pitcher James Neide, who set a personal record for most walks and hit-by-pitches in a single game (4), struggled with control, pitching six scoreless innings while allowing three hits, six walks and hit-by-pitches (two walks, four hit-by-pitches), and recording six strikeouts.

KIA took a 1-0 lead on an early home run by Adelin Rodriguez. In the bottom of the seventh inning with one out and runners on second and third, a wild pitch by Hong Min-ki was followed by a two-run single by Park Jae-hyun, extending KIA's lead to 3-0.

However, consecutive errors nearly cost them the game. In the top of the eighth inning with one out and a walk by Na Seung-yeop, Jung Hae-young failed to field a ground ball by Kim Dong-hyuk cleanly, resulting in two outs with runners on first and second. Son Ho-young then hit a double down the left-field line, scoring a runner. Kim Dong-hyuk sprinted all the way to first base and slid home, showing his determination to take the lead.

Another error occurred. Second baseman Kim Sun-bin failed to field a ground ball by Jang Du-seong, leading to runners on first and third. Son Seong-bin then hit a two-run double down the gap between left and center field, making the score 4-3.

Although Na Sung-beom hit a solo home run to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth, and Han Jun-soo hit a sacrifice fly to center field in the bottom of the ninth following an opponent's error, KIA managed to break the losing streak. Sung Young-tak, who entered the game in the top of the ninth and pitched a perfect inning, earned the win.

After the game, manager Lee Beom-ho said, "The players' will to end the losing streak was strong, which allowed us to win. After allowing a comeback in the top of the eighth, the game became difficult, but Na Sung-beom immediately tied the game with a home run, restoring balance. In the bottom of the ninth, Han Jun-soo showed focus with a valuable sacrifice fly that decided the game."

He continued, "Neide pitched six scoreless innings and showed good form, but it's a pity he didn't get the win. Sung Young-tak did a clean job in the ninth inning. It was a tough game, and all the players worked very hard."

However, the defense in the top of the eighth was clearly a point to address. Manager Lee Beom-ho did not forget to offer stern words, saying, "I hope the players can show a bit more focus on defense."

The Gwangju-Kia Champions Field was sold out with 20,500 seats, drawing the 14th sellout crowd of the season. Manager Lee Beom-ho said, "Even though it was a Tuesday game, the full house provided us with great support. I am sincerely grateful."

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*This content was translated by AI.