"Kiwoom fans, I know it's tough, but please wait a little longer." Seo Geon-chang's heartfelt message

*This content was translated by AI.

The "last-place" Kiwoom Heroes snapped their long four-game losing streak and secured a valuable victory against the Doosan Bears. At the center of it all was Seo Geon-chang (37), who stepped up as the leadoff hitter to open the offense and, as a veteran, firmly supported the team. Seo also conveyed a message to Kiwoom fans, asking them to continue cheering just a little longer.

On the 7th, Kiwoom defeated the Doosan Bears 4-1 in an away game at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium in the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League." With this win, Kiwoom escaped their four-game losing slump and halted Doosan's five-game winning streak. Kiwoom scored three runs in the first inning alone and held the lead until the end, thanks to starting pitcher Alcantara's six-inning, one-run performance and a scoreless relay by the bullpen.

Most notably, Seo Geon-chang's performance stood out in the lineup. Starting as both the leadoff hitter and second baseman, Seo completed the game with four hits in four at-bats and one walk, driving the team to victory. After the game, Seo, met with a bright smile, shared his thoughts on the win: "More than my personal performance, the fact that the team broke its losing streak, and that we won on the last day of the week, preventing the streak from getting even longer, is the most meaningful aspect."

Oh Jae-il, the commentator broadcasting from the, praised Seo's hitting, saying, "It feels like when he hit 200 hits in the past." Hearing this, Seo replied with a slightly embarrassed smile, "I don't think I can catch up to those days no matter what I do in the current situation. Right now is right now. Rather than forcing myself to replicate the past, I'm trying to focus as much as possible on how I feel right now."

Regarding the recent trend of his batted balls heading more toward left field, he interpreted it as a positive sign. He explained, "It's encouraging for any hitter to send batted balls in various directions. Rather than doing it intentionally, I think good results are coming naturally as I consistently play games."

On the defensive burden of potentially playing left field due to the signing of foreign hitter Keston Hiura, who has been alternating between left field and first base, Seo said, "It is true that it is a burden, but if a task is given, I must complete it perfectly. Recently, I have been dedicating more time to outfield defense training than infield during pre-game practice, and I am approaching it with a sense of responsibility."

The game also drew significant attention off the field. The home team, Doosan, invited NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, a world-renowned tech executive, to throw the ceremonial first pitch, and Doosan Group Chairman Park Jeong-won to hit the ceremonial first pitch. Seo Geon-chang, who witnessed this special moment up close as the opposing team's leadoff hitter, smiled and said, "It was a major event, and I think the fact that I could be part of such a big event as a baseball player is itself a privilege. It was truly enjoyable." He added, "I even thought about bringing a Magic marker to get an autograph, but security was too strict, so I couldn't do it," sharing a lighthearted regret.

Kiwoom broke its four-game losing streak, laying the foundation for escaping last place. On the part where the team failed to win consecutive games after a long losing streak, Seo, as a veteran of the team, promised a turnaround and left a sincere message for the fans.

"I feel a great sense of responsibility. I know very well how the fans must have felt during the team's losing streak, seeing their reactions and all. Although the team still has many shortcomings, I acknowledge what needs to be acknowledged and approach each game with the mindset of improving. Even in this situation, seeing so many fans come to the stadium makes me think a lot. I know it's tough, but please wait a little longer and give us your continued support," he said before leaving the stadium.

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*This content was translated by AI.