KIA manager Lee Beom-ho: "I want to give a very high score for the first half" → Will the team immediately join the race for top positions in the second half?

*This content was translated by AI.

KIA Tigers manager Lee Beom-ho encouraged his players by giving a highly positive overall assessment of the first half when asked by reporters, saying, "I want to give a very high score."

The manager held an interview with reporters ahead of the Lotte Giants away game at Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium on the 7th as part of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season.

When asked about his evaluation of the first half, Manager Lee said, "I want to give a very high score. Rather than focusing on specific points, I want to give a very high score."

He praised the pitching staff, stating, "The pitchers, including starters, prepared well in their own way. The middle relievers have had some ups and downs recently, but they pitched very well in June. That's why I think the team was able to hold on."

Continuing, he added, "The position players are no different. They performed better than expected. (Sung) Beom-i also proved why he should be here, and (Kim) Do-young has done the same. Young players like (Park) Jae-hyun and (Park) Sang-jun are fully contributing their share. In particular, (Kim) Ho-ryeong missed only one game and played in all others. Considering these points, I believe the position players also had an excellent first half overall," while giving a thumbs-up.

KIA recorded 44 wins, 2 draws, and 38 losses as of the conclusion of games on the 7th, securing sole fourth place in the league. They trail third-place KT Wiz by 2.5 games and first-place Samsung Lions by 6.5 games. It can be said that KIA has already laid a solid foundation to enter the race for top positions starting from the early part of the second half.

Manager Lee stated, "In the second half, every team will compete more fiercely. Our season's outcome will depend on how we manage our starting rotation. However, I plan to proceed calmly. Rushing into a single game by overusing pitchers beforehand will weaken them for subsequent games. If there is a way to maintain strength in every game without weakening, we will find it. We aim to secure victories decisively, even if it means utilizing the bullpen now."

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*This content was translated by AI.