*This content was translated by AI.
Lotte Giants closer Kim Won-jung (33) has recently become the center of unexpected attention.
During a game against Samsung Lions at Busan Sajik Stadium on the 2nd, with Lotte leading 10-5 in the top of the 9th inning, Kim Won-jung allowed two runs. Manager Kim Tae-hyung (59) then walked directly onto the mound. At that moment, when Kim Won-jung covered his mouth with his glove, the manager forcefully pulled the glove down with his hand, a scene that became a hot topic. Kim Won-jung went on to prevent any further runs, securing a 10-7 victory.
Kim Won-jung, who met at Sajik Stadium on the 5th after the Kiwoom Heroes game was cancelled due to extreme heat, addressed the situation at the time: "I never thought it would turn out like this. The manager's words were meant for my benefit and he was simply telling me to 'snap out of it.' There was nothing else." He added, "I only thought it was an expression of trust and belief from the manager; I had no other thoughts whatsoever."
Prior to that, on the 4th, the first day of a midweek three-game series against Kiwoom, Manager Kim Tae-hyung briefly responded to questions regarding the incident by saying, "(Kim Won-jung's) concentration was slightly low, so I told him to focus more." He then encouraged his pitchers, stating, "The relief pitchers' runs allowed are because the opposing batters hit well. The pitchers themselves are throwing to the best of their abilities."
In the Kiwoom game on the 4th, with Lotte leading 3-2 in the top of the 9th, Kim Won-jung allowed a single by leadoff batter Yeo Dong-uk to left field. Facing a critical situation with one out and runners on first and third, he managed to preserve the win without allowing any runs. Speaking to reporters the following day, Kim Won-jung reflected, "I knew that since the previous pitchers (Iimura in the 7th and Choi Jun-yong in the 8th) had held them well, a crisis could arise at the end, so I went out with that thought. Coincidentally, it happened exactly like that. It was tough, but trusting my infielders and catcher led to a good result, which made me feel great."
Manager Kim Tae-hyung also commented on Kim Won-jung's pitching that day: "It is not easy for any team's closers to hold the line cleanly. The most important factor is whether you can get the leadoff batter out; if you do, the situation changes significantly." He added, "If you can stop just the leadoff batter, it creates an atmosphere where the game is almost 99% over."
Kim Won-jung also expressed gratitude for the manager's mindset. He said, "Placing me in important situations is another way the manager shows his trust in me. He often tells me, 'If you show signs of wavering, what will your teammates think? You need to stay centered and become even stronger.' I consider this another expression of belief in me, so I am simply grateful."
He then vowed to strive even harder as a closer for the remainder of the season. Kim Won-jung, who has recorded 1 win, 3 losses, 5 saves, and 12 holds with an ERA of 3.66 in 44 games this season, stated, "I always tell fans that I want to show them autumn baseball, but it is not easy, so I feel very sorry. My task is to pitch out the remaining 40-plus games and make many outs. Since it is not over yet, I will run hard."
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*This content was translated by AI.
