'Explosion of 10 hits and 8 runs': The 9th-place team's lineup, unstoppable even by scorching heat, receives thanks from the manager: "Players prepared well during the break" [Incheon]

*This content was translated by AI.

SSG Landers manager Lee Seung-yong (55) expressed gratitude to his players for their focus in both pitching and hitting.

On the 11th, SSG defeated Lotte Giants 8-4 in a regular-season home game at Incheon SSG Landers Field as part of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League.

With this win, the 9th-place SSG improved to 40 wins, 4 draws, and 60 losses, achieving a .400 winning percentage. The 8th-place Lotte, whose winning streak was broken, recorded 44 wins, 2 draws, and 55 losses.

This day marked the first game resumed after the heatwave break in the KBO League. Due to consecutive extreme heat days, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) had canceled 15 games scheduled from the 7th to 9 across five stadiums nationwide: Seoul Jamsil, Suwon, Daejeon, Daegu, and Changwon.

While the hottest period had passed, the intense heat was not over. Temperatures were expected to remain as high as 35°C for some time, prompting the KBO to adjust game start times: weekday games would begin at 7 p.m., delayed by 30 minutes, and weekend games also at 7 p.m., delayed by one hour.

However, neither the sudden break nor the heat could dampen SSG players' determination to win. Kim Jae-hwan hit a two-run home run for the first score, going 2-for-4 with one home run, four RBIs, and two runs scored; Jeon Ui-san went 2-for-4 with two hits and two RBIs; and Jo Hyung-woo went 3-for-4 with three hits and two runs. The team recorded a total of 10 hits, including both long and short hits, breaking down Lotte's pitching staff.

Lotte starting pitcher Jeremy Bissell allowed eight hits (including one home run) over five innings, issued one walk, struck out three batters, and gave up seven runs (six earned), marking his fifth loss of the season (with eight wins).

After the game, manager Lee Seung-yong said, "Thanks to our players preparing well during the unexpected heatwave break, we were able to secure this victory," shifting credit to his team.

As a result, SSG starter Pedro Avila pitched six innings, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out six batters, giving up three runs (all unearned), earning his third win of the season. Manager Lee Seung-yong commented, "Starter Avila took responsibility for long innings with efficient pitching, demonstrating ace-level performance."

He continued, "In the lineup, Kim Jae-hwan's leadoff three-run home run set the tone early. Batters consistently drove runners home during scoring opportunities in the early innings, building momentum. Especially after allowing a comeback attempt in the sixth inning, consecutive hits by Jo Hyung-woo and Ahn Sang-hyun created crucial additional runs that proved decisive for the victory."

He also added, "It was meaningful to repay the fans' support with a win in our first home game since resuming just one week after the league was suspended due to extreme heat."

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

*This content was translated by AI.