'7:4→7:8' Shocking Comeback Defeat for Pajam: "There was nothing I could do → I sent out the strongest pitcher in the 8th inning, and he gave up a changeup on the first pitch..."

*This content was translated by AI.

After failing to hold a three-run lead from their first game of June and suffering a painful comeback defeat, NC Dinos manager Lee Ho-jun (50) reflected on the previous day's (2nd) game, expressing deep regret.

On the 2nd, NC Dinos appeared to seize control in their away game against Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, leading 7-4 through the top of the 8th inning. However, the bullpen collapsed rapidly in the bottom of the 8th, preventing them from celebrating at the final moment. Setup man Lim Ji-min allowed a double to leadoff batter Lewin Diaz, and after one out, he gave up a hit to Jeon Byung-woo, putting the team in a dangerous situation with one out and runners on first and third. From there, he surrendered a three-run, tying home run to Park Seung-gyu, and the comfortable lead vanished in an instant.

Lim Ji-min seemed to catch his breath after handling Lee Jae-hyun with a fly out to center field immediately after the home run, but he then issued a walk to Yang Woo-hyun. Following a stolen base by Kim Sung-yoon during his at-bat, he ultimately surrendered a go-ahead, two-run single to Kim Sung-yoon, turning the game around.

In the bottom of the 9th, NC's final offensive opportunity, they attempted to attack Samsung closer Kim Jae-yun, but with two outs and a runner on second, Kwon Hee-dong was out on a ground ball to the second baseman, sealing a 7-8 comeback defeat.

On the following day, the 3rd, manager Lee Ho-jun conveyed a calm yet bitter sentiment regarding the painful comeback defeat. When asked about the timing and outcome of his pitching changes, the manager emphasized that it was the team's standard approach.

Nodding at the reporters' comment that the result was regrettable, manager Lee Ho-jun began by saying, "There was nothing I could do," and then explained, "In the bullpen, I sent out the pitcher I considered the strongest in the 8th inning," revealing the background behind his decision to bring in Lim Ji-min. This moment reflected the deep regret over the collapse of a trusted winning card.

Regarding the moment Park Seung-gyu hit the home run, manager Lee Ho-jun expressed helplessness, saying, "To hit it on the first pitch, and even a changeup, is truly..." while acknowledging the opponent's excellent hitting, adding, "There was nothing I could do. It's something that could happen."

However, the manager could not hide his clear regret over losing the lead after the tying home run. He stated, "After two outs, giving up a tie is one thing. But after getting two strikes, issuing a walk and immediately allowing a stolen base was regrettable," pointing out the regrets over the walk and stolen base allowed after the run scored, highlighting issues in the fine details of play.

Meanwhile, NC Dinos are aiming for their first victory against Samsung in eight games this season. Facing Samsung starter Choi Won-tae, NC Dinos set their starting lineup as follows: Shortstop Kim Ju-won, Left fielder Lee Woo-seong, Second baseman Park Min-woo, First baseman Davison, Designated hitter Park Geon-woo, Right fielder Oh Jang-han, Catcher Kim Hyung-jun, Center fielder Park Si-won, and Third baseman Seo Ho-cheol. NC's starting pitcher is right-hander Kim Tae-kyung.

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*This content was translated by AI.