'Temperature 33℃, Humidity 75%': Even in scorching weather, the stadium was packed! The commander who led four consecutive victories also expressed gratitude: "Thanks to our passionate fans for their enthusiastic support" [Suwon]

*This content was translated by AI.

KT Wiz manager Lee Kang-cheol (60) expressed his gratitude to the full house of spectators who braved the sweltering weather, with temperatures reaching 33℃ and humidity exceeding 75%, to attend the baseball game at SuwonKT Wiz Park.

On the 31st, KT secured a 5-3 victory over Hanwha Eagles in their regular-season home game at SuwonKT Wiz Park as part of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League.

With this win, second-place KT, now on a four-game winning streak, improved to 57 wins, 2 draws, and 36 losses, maintaining a half-game lead over first-place Samsung Lions (59-2-37). Meanwhile, Hanwha fell to 46-3-47, breaking their .500 win-loss record and failing to close the gap with fifth-place Doosan Bears.

The game showcased exceptional focus from both pitching and batting sides. Starting pitcher So Hyoung-jun allowed a three-run home run in the second inning but held opponents scoreless thereafter, enduring five innings with seven hits allowed (one home run), two walks, and two strikeouts.

He was followed by Jukwon (1 inning), Lee Sang-dong (⅓ inning), Jeon Yong-ju (⅔ inning), and Sugimoto Kouki (1 inning), all of whom prevented further runs. Closer Park Young-hyun closed out the ninth inning, achieving 20 saves for the third consecutive year.

Both teams recorded 10 hits, but KT's focus shone brighter. Foreign hitter Sam Hilleryard stood out with agile base-running plays that led to decisive scoring. In the fourth inning, he scored from third base on a short center-field fly ball. In the sixth, his quick judgment of a batted ball allowed him to advance from first to second base, creating a scoring opportunity. He later crossed home plate during Kim Sang-soo's infield single to tie the game.

Other contributors included Kim Sang-soo (3-for-2 with 1 RBI, 1 walk, and 1 run scored) and Heo Kyung-min (3-for-2 with 1 RBI, 1 hit-by-pitch, and 1 run scored), who helped drive KT's four-game winning streak.

After the game, manager Lee Kang-cheol stated, "Starting pitcher So Hyoung-jun allowed three runs but effectively held opponents scoreless for five innings afterward thanks to his excellent relief capabilities, laying the foundation for a comeback. The relievers who followed also performed well. I congratulate Park Young-hyun on achieving 20 saves for the third consecutive year."

He added, "The lineup demonstrated remarkable focus in critical situations. With Hanwha chasing, Heo Kyung-min and Oh Yun-seok delivered two crucial RBI hits. Kim Sang-soo's tying sacrifice fly and Han Seung-taek's go-ahead two-RBI single secured the victory. I also want to praise Hilleryard's outstanding base-running plays at key moments."

A full house of 18,700 spectators attended the game at SuwonKT Wiz Park on this day, which featured KT's inaugural Water Festival. Refreshing water cannons welcomed home fans.

Manager Lee Kang-cheol conveyed his sincere appreciation: "The players worked hard in the hot weather. Thanks to our fans who filled the stadium and provided enthusiastic support during the weekend, we were able to continue our winning streak."

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*This content was translated by AI.