"Dad, don't let me hit a home run." Pitcher who allowed the fourth-most home runs snapped his three-game losing streak after receiving his son's heartfelt wish [Busan]

*This content was translated by AI.

"Dad, don't let me hit a home run."

Rodriguez (28), an overseas pitcher for Lotte Giants, is among those who have allowed the most home runs in the KBO League this season. In 20 starts, he surrendered 15 home runs, placing him fourth in the category behind Na Gyun-an (Lotte, 17), Toda (NC Dinos), and Alcantara (Kiwoom Heroes, both 16). Moreover, in the second half of the season, he suffered three consecutive losses against Samsung Lions on July 16, SSG Landers on the 23rd, and Hanwha Eagles on the 29th.

However, in a game against Kiwoom Heroes at Busan Sajik Stadium on the 4th, Rodriguez delivered a strong performance over six innings, allowing only three hits and two unearned runs, breaking his losing streak. This marked his sixth win of the season (with eight losses), his first since July 7 against KIA Tigers after nearly a month.

The game content was also impressive. He held the opposing lineup hitless through the third inning. In the bottom of the fourth, with Lotte leading 1-0, Seo Geon-chang's infield grounder deflected off Rodriguez's glove (a fielder's choice error), allowing the first baserunner of the game. Later, he gave up a single to Ju Jae-hyun and an infield hit by An Chi-hong that slipped between the third baseman and the pitcher, tying the score.

His pitching remained steady through five innings, with his pitch count reaching only 60. However, in the bottom of the sixth, with Lotte leading 3-1 and two outs, he issued a walk to Ju Jae-hyun before inducing a ground ball from Davison. But due to an error by Lotte second baseman Ko Seung-min, the bases were loaded. An Chi-hong then hit a sacrifice fly to center field, allowing two more runs. This increased his pitch count to 91.

Lotte's relief pitchers — Lee Ee-mu-ra, Choi Jun-yong, and Kim Won-jung — each pitched one scoreless inning from the seventh onward, preserving Rodriguez's win with a final score of 3-2.

After the game, Rodriguez conveyed through the team: "It was a tight game, so I tried to maintain focus in every inning. While competing aggressively, I focused on trusting my pitches and throwing with confidence, aiming to take responsibility for as many innings as possible." He added, "There were difficult moments, but the fielders performed well, which allowed me to manage the game steadily until the end," crediting his teammates.

He continued, "Before the game, my son told me, 'Don't let a home run happen and make sure we win.' That message stayed with me throughout the match. Fortunately, I didn't allow any home runs, and the team secured a victory, which made me even happier." He concluded, "Most importantly, I am satisfied to have contributed to the team's win. I want to thank the fans who supported us despite the hot weather. In the remaining games, I will do my best in every match to help the team continue winning and deliver strong pitching performances like this."

Empowered by his son's earnest wish, both he and the team shared a smile — a "father's victory."

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*This content was translated by AI.