'Now LG is in sight': KIA's Lee Beom-ho reaches 200 wins amid three-game winning streak, "Kim Ho-ryeong led the way" — The flower coach's smile [Incheon on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

With a satisfying three-game winning streak, Lee Beom-ho (35), manager of the KIA Tigers, reached 200 wins in just his third season as manager. He gave a thumbs-up to Kim Ho-ryeong (34).

Under Lee Beom-ho's leadership, KIA secured a 9-5 comeback victory against SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 19th in an away game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League.

Although they lost their first game of the second half, the team returned home on a high note with three consecutive wins. With a record of 48 wins, 40 losses, and 2 draws, KIA remains in fourth place but narrowed the gap to third-place LG Twins by 3.5 games after today's loss.

KIA took an early 4-0 lead thanks to Na Sung-beom's three-run home run among other plays. Starting pitcher Yang Hyeon-jong delivered a strong performance, allowing only one run over five innings, setting the stage for a comfortable win.

However, in the bottom of the sixth inning, Jung Hae-young surrendered a tying three-run home run to Kim Jae-hwan and allowed back-to-back home runs to Choi Ji-hoon, leading to a 4-5 comeback by SSG Landers. Yet, KIA's lineup rallied with renewed strength.

Kim Ho-ryeong, who had gone hitless in his first three at-bats, stepped up as the leadoff hitter. He drew a walk and stole second base before Kim Do-young's RBI double tied the game.

In the top of the eighth inning, with no outs and bases loaded, pinch-hitter Park Jae-hyun grounded into a double play. Later in the same inning, he came to bat again and drove in two runs with a go-ahead RBI double. He successfully stole another base later and scored on Herald Castro's two-run home run, leading his team to victory.

With today's win, manager Lee Beom-ho achieved his 200th career victory. Having debuted as a manager in 2024 with 87 wins and securing an overall championship, he added 48 wins in 90 games this season following last year's 65 wins to reach the milestone of 200 wins. His record stands at 200 wins, 170 losses, and 8 draws, with a winning percentage of 0.541.

This marks the third-youngest manager to reach 200 wins after Kim Sung-geun (44 years, 6 months, 16 days) during his time with OB Bears and Seon Dong-yeol (44 years, 7 months, 11 days) while managing Samsung Lions. It is also the ninth-fastest in terms of games played to reach 200 wins. Within KIA's franchise history, Lee Beom-ho becomes the manager who reached 200 wins in the fewest number of games.

After the victory, manager Lee Beom-ho immediately praised Kim Ho-ryeong. The previous day, Kim made an incredible diving catch and threw out a runner at first base for a double play, contributing three hits and three runs. Today, he delivered the game-winning hit once again.

The manager stated, "It would not be an exaggeration to say that Kim Ho-ryeong led this series. Yesterday, he was the hero with his stellar defense, and today, he sealed the victory with a clutch hit."

He continued, "Na Sung-beom set the tone early with a three-run home run in the first inning, and we were able to secure the win thanks to Kim Do-young's tying hit and Castro's go-ahead home run. Yang Hyeon-jong pitched well over five innings with minimal runs allowed, but it's unfortunate he didn't earn the win. Lee Ui-ryeong made three relief appearances during the series and fulfilled his role effectively. Jeon Sang-hyun, Kwak Do-gyu, and Jo Sang-woo also delivered stable pitching performances."

Finally, the manager added, "I am grateful to have reached 200 wins as a manager thanks to working with such talented players, coaching staff, and front office personnel. I thank everyone for their support, and I also express my gratitude to our fans who continue to cheer for the players without fail."

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*This content was translated by AI.