'Run, Fly, and Hit' Kim Ho-ryeong's One-Man Show: '7 Innings Deleted' Nail Delivers KIA 12-2 Victory Over SSG [Incheon On-Site Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

The KIA Tigers were gifted a pleasant victory thanks to Kim Ho-ryeong's flawless all-around performance in offense, defense, and base running, alongside ace pitcher James Nail's dazzling effort that seemingly erased seven innings from the game.

On the 18th, KIA secured a decisive 12-2 win over the SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League away match.

KIA, riding on a two-game winning streak, recorded 47 wins, 40 losses, and 2 draws, maintaining their fourth-place position. Meanwhile, SSG, now on a two-game losing streak, fell to 32 wins, 54 losses, and 3 draws, narrowing the gap with the last-place Kiwoom Heroes, who won today's game, to just 1.5 games.

KIA started pitcher James Nail against opposing starter Thomas Hatch, fielding a lineup in the following order: Kim Ho-ryeong (center fielder), Herald Castro (designated hitter), Kim Do-young (third baseman), Na Sung-beom (right fielder), Han Jun-soo (catcher), Kim Sun-bin (second baseman), Park Sang-jun (first baseman), Park Jung-woo (left fielder), and Jeong Hyeon-chang (shortstop).

SSG countered with a lineup of Jeong Jun-jae (second baseman), Park Sung-han (shortstop), Go Myeong-jun (third baseman), Jeon Ui-san (first baseman), Kim Jae-hwan (designated hitter), Oh Tae-gon (left fielder), Choi Ji-hoon (center fielder), Jo Hyung-woo (catcher), and Choi Jun-woo (right fielder).

Both teams' lineups remained quiet until the second inning but woke up in the third. The KIA lineup focused its attack on Hatch, who was in the midst of a three-game losing streak.

Starting with Jeong Hyeon-chang's lead-off hit in the bottom of the third, followed by Kim Ho-ryeong's infield single and doubles from Castro, Na Sung-beom, and Kim Sun-bin, KIA generated seven hits in the inning alone, scoring five runs.

SSG also rallied in the bottom of the third when Jo Hyung-woo hit a solo home run (his fourth of the season) as the lead-off batter. They added pressure with Jeong Jun-jae's hit and stolen base, creating a one-out, second-base situation where Park Sung-han delivered a one-run double to close the gap.

Nail allowed no further runs after that. Despite a fielding error in the fourth inning, he remained steady and completed the inning, even receiving defensive assistance in the fifth. With one out, Jeong Jun-jae was walked, and Park Sung-han's hit went deep into left-center field. Kim Ho-ryeong sprinted a considerable distance and leaped to knock down the ball. The first baseman, Jeong Jun-jae, had already taken off for second base, but Kim immediately rose, threw the ball to first, and beat the runner's desperate return with a strong throw, securing a double play to end the inning.

Nail, conserving his pitch count, also appeared in the sixth inning, retiring four batters quickly, and returned for the seventh. Although another fielding error occurred, he cleanly handled the next three batters, finishing his outing with 91 pitches.

Nail's strong pitching spurred the offense further. Hatch allowed five runs and was pulled after five innings, with Seo Jin-yong entering in relief but failing to contain the KIA lineup. Kim Ho-ryeong, who had just made a spectacular defensive play in the previous inning, led off the next frame with a single to left field and successfully stole second base. Castro and Kim Do-young then hit grounders that allowed runners to score from third after circling the bases. With one out and a runner on third, Na Sung-beom delivered a sacrifice fly to center field, adding another run.

In the top of the eighth, Kim Ho-ryeong drove in the final nail in the coffin with a lead-off double to right-center. Castro's hit, Na Sung-beom's walk, and Han Jun-soo's two-run double extended the lead to 9-3. Later, with two outs and bases loaded, Park Jung-woo hit a large double down the right-field line, allowing all three runners to score. KIA added no further runs and closed out the game 12-2.

Nail delivered an outstanding performance over seven innings, allowing four hits (one home run), two walks, striking out five batters, and surrendering only two earned runs, earning his sixth win (with five losses). In contrast, Hatch allowed ten hits, two walks, struck out three, and gave up five runs over five innings, falling into a four-game losing streak after one win since joining the team.

Kim Ho-ryeong recorded three hits, scored three runs, and successfully executed both strong defense and stolen bases, perfectly fulfilling his role as the lead-off center fielder. Castro achieved his first career four-hit game. Park Jung-woo recorded his first career three-RBI game.

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

*This content was translated by AI.