'Why was Park Jin-hyung the one to tie the game?' Kiwoom manager responds: "Won Jong-hyun was scheduled to appear in extra innings"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes manager Seol Jong-jin (53) revealed the reasoning behind deploying Park Jin-hyung instead of closer Won Jong-hyun in the 3-3 tie situation during the match against Samsung Lions the previous day (18th). At the same time, he explained that removing Park Jin-hyung (32) from the roster was a decision made to strengthen the team's batting lineup.

Manager Seol Jong-jin met with reporters ahead of Kiwoom's home game against Lotte Giants at Gocheok Sky Dome on the 19th, explaining why he put Park Jin-hyung on the mound in the top of the 9th inning when the game was tied 3-3 the previous day. Kiwoom had first sent Yuto to the mound in the bottom of the 8th inning against Samsung while tied 3-3, then brought in Park Jin-hyung in the 9th, but ultimately suffered a walk-off loss, 3-4.

When asked whether it was impossible for Won Jong-hyun to appear at that time, Manager Seol responded, "No. If the game had gone into extra innings, we had planned to bring in Won Jong-hyun." He added, "Currently, Yuto and Won Jong-hyun are our closers. We have plans to deploy them depending on the game situation," reaffirming the team's approach to operating the bullpen by maximizing player condition and efficiency rather than relying on a single fixed closer.

Regarding whether two pitchers typically warm up simultaneously when a save situation arises, Seol stated, "It depends on the situation at the time. After assessing the game flow around the 7th inning, we decide who will be prepared for the 8th and 9th innings respectively." He further explained, "We always tell Won Jong-hyun and Yuto in advance, 'One of you will be going out in the 8th or 9th inning, so be ready.' Then, around the 7th inning, we assess the situation, and the coaching staff conveys the specific appearance order."

On the part where Park Jin-hyung allowed two hit-by-pitches while taking the mound in the top of the 9th the previous day, leaving a sense of regret, the manager admitted he had deeply considered the decision. Manager Seol said, "At that time, we were considering the possibility of extra innings in the 10th or 11th, so we judged that the timing for bringing in Won Jong-hyun was a bit late. Since Park Jin-hyung is not a pitcher with particularly poor control, we decided to trust him and stick with him," reflecting on the situation at the time. Park Jin-hyung also appeared to have been given a long rest since his last appearance after the Hanwha Eagles game on the 12th at Gocheok, which likely contributed to his appearance in the 9th inning.

After returning from a three-game losing streak in Daegu, Kiwoom aims for a victory against Lotte. Facing Lotte starting pitcher Lee Min-seok, Kiwoom set its starting lineup as follows: Seo Geon-chang (second baseman), Hiura (designated hitter), Kim Woong-bin (first baseman), Kim Geon-hee (catcher), Yeo Dong-wook (third baseman), Won Seong-jun (center fielder), Choo Jae-hyun (left fielder), Park Chan-hyuk (right fielder), and Kwon Hyuk-bin (shortstop). The starting pitcher is Alcantara. At the same time, Kiwoom removed Park Jin-hyung from the first-division roster and called up outfielder Choo Jae-hyun.

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*This content was translated by AI.