"I am sorry to have disappointed you." Even after breaking the 13th-game losing streak, the manager apologized, and the "captain" shed tears. [Incheon Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

The moment the long, drawn-out 13-game losing streak was finally broken. No one could smile with relief. The emotional toll they had endured was too great, and they felt they had no face to show the fans.

On the 3rd, SSG secured a 5-4 comeback victory over Kiwoom Heroes in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game at Incheon SSG Landers Field, thanks to Oh Tae-gon's walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 9th inning.

This was their first taste of victory in 18 days since defeating the LG Twins on the 16th of last month. SSG, which had been on the verge of falling to 9th place, improved its record to 23 wins, 31 losses, and 1 tie, erasing the gap with 8th-place NC Dinos and moving into sole 7th place in the standings.

Temporary starter Baek Seung-geon started uneasily by creating a bases-loaded, one-out crisis in the top of the 1st inning, but he managed to hold the line without allowing any runs thanks to excellent defensive plays by Choi Jeong. In the bottom of the 1st, Choi Jeong hit a solo home run, giving SSG a pleasant lead.

However, after Baek Seung-geon issued consecutive walks in the top of the 2nd inning, the team quickly replaced the pitcher. SSG fell behind 1-4 after surrendering a two-run go-ahead single and a two-run home run.

SSG, which had been unable to turn the tide until the 5th inning, got a lucky hit from Oh Tae-gon on an irregular bounce with no outs and a runner on first base in the bottom of the 6th. Choi Jeong then drove in one run with a sacrifice fly, cutting the deficit to one run.

This was a game where they could not afford to retreat, so even while trailing, the manager deployed all of his reliable relievers. The bullpen was activated starting from the 2nd inning. In particular, Lee Geon-wook (2 1/3 innings), who entered in the 3rd, was followed by Lee Run (1 1/3 innings), Noh Kyung-eun, Kim Min, and Jo Byung-hyun (all 1 inning), all of whom pitched scoreless innings, laying the foundation for the team's victory.

Did their desperation reach the heavens? A dramatic scene unfolded in the bottom of the 8th. Oh Tae-gon started the inning with a single to left field, and Eredia hit Park Ji-sung's pitch over the left-field fence for a tying two-run home run. Perhaps recalling his recent slump, Eredia slammed his bat against the ground and roared. The momentum completely shifted in SSG's favor.

Closer Jo Byung-hyun, who entered in the top of the 9th, initially created a bases-loaded, two-out crisis but retired pinch-hitter Park Soo-jong with a strikeout, passing the opportunity to the lineup. In the bottom of the 9th, after Jeon Ui-san's hit, Cho Hyung-woo attempted a sacrifice bunt but managed to get a hit with two strikes. Park Sung-han then walked on an automatic intentional four-ball, and with one out and bases loaded, Oh Tae-gon hit a sacrifice fly to center field, securing the walk-off victory.

This was the 8th walk-off victory of "the competitor" Oh Tae-gon's career. It was the first time he ended a game with a sacrifice fly. Oh Tae-gon, who stepped out for an interview with the broadcast company amidst the fans' enthusiastic support, could not hold back his tears, moving the fans' eyes as well.

After the game, manager Lee Sung-yong bowed his head. "I am sorry to have disappointed the fans with such a long losing streak. I also want to thank the fans who continued to support us even during the losing streak," he said.

It was a game where the excellent defense of players like Choi Jeong, Eredia, and Park Sung-han shone. It was a game where one could sense their strong will to break the losing streak at all costs.

Manager Lee said, "Even in the heavy atmosphere, the players' strong will to break the losing streak at all costs kept their concentration intact until the end. Although there were difficulties in the early part of the game, pitchers led by Lee Geon-wook fulfilled their roles and held on until the later stages of the game. Eredia's tying home run and captain Oh Tae-gon's calm walk-off hit in the final moment of the 9th inning allowed us to secure the victory."

He continued, "Through this losing streak, I and all the players realized the preciousness of a single win. Since there is still a lot of season left, the coaching staff, players, and front office will unite and do their best in every game," he promised.

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*This content was translated by AI.