KT manager Lee Kang-cheol, who received a gift of three consecutive wins on his birthday, expressed deep emotion: "Thanks to the fans who came out despite the bad weather." → Bae Jeong-dae also sent congratulatory messages.

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Kang-cheol (60), manager of KT Wiz, who secured a hard-fought three-game winning streak on his birthday, expressed gratitude to players and fans after an intense back-and-forth battle.

KT trailed 2-3 in the home game against Kiwoom Heroes at SuwonKT Wiz Park on the 8th as part of the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League," but rallied with strong focus to secure a decisive 7-3 victory. With this win, KT extended its winning streak to three games and solidified its position as sole third place in the standings.

KT's starting pitcher Logan pitched four innings, allowing seven hits (two home runs), two walks, two strikeouts, and three earned runs — a less-than-ideal performance — but relievers Son Dong-hyun, Woo Kyu-min, Joo Kwon, Lee Sang-dong, Sugimoto, and Park Young-hyun kept the opposition scoreless. Notably, closer Park Young-hyun entered the game in the ninth inning despite not being in a save situation with KT leading 7-3, and closed out the match. In the lineup, Heo Gyeong-min went 3-for-4 with two runs scored, while Bae Jeong-dae contributed with two hits and two RBIs in four at-bats.

After the game, manager Lee Kang-cheol praised his pitching staff: "Our starter Logan logged a high pitch count but limited damage to just three earned runs, setting up a foundation for our comeback. The relievers who followed also did an excellent job of handling their innings." He first applauded the dedicated efforts of starting pitcher Allen and the bullpen.

He also expressed satisfaction with the lineup's cohesive focus. Manager Lee stated, "After allowing the lead-off run, our batters quickly tied the game and took the lead, preventing Kiwoom from seizing momentum. In the later stages, Kim Sang-soo and Ahn Hyun-min delivered key RBIs, and Bae Jeong-dae added two more runs to seal the victory." He highlighted how the batters maintained control throughout the game without losing their rhythm.

Especially on his birthday, when he received a spirited winning gift from the team, the manager bowed deeply to home fans who stayed until the end. Manager Lee concluded with heartfelt remarks: "The players worked hard, and I am truly grateful to the fans who came out despite the harsh weather to cheer for us."

Bae Jeong-dae, who recorded two RBIs and was named the game's standout player, also shared his thoughts in an interview with reporters on-site. He smiled and said, "I'm happy that I could give the manager a birthday gift."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.