'Can't pick just one' — Coach picks seven veteran players, Doosan surges on four-game winning streak → Eyes set on third place [Jamsil]

*This content was translated by AI.

It was nothing short of perfect. The bullpen wavered briefly and allowed a tying run, but quickly turned the tide as Doosan Bears embarked on an exhilarating four-game winning streak.

Under manager Kim Won-hyeong (54), Doosan secured a 6-3 victory over Hanwha Eagles in their 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 11th.

With a record of 53 wins, 45 losses, and 4 ties, Doosan maintained a 1.5-game lead over third-place LG Twins following today's win. While LG has only managed four wins (12 losses, 1 tie) in the second half, Doosan is aggressively closing the gap with nine wins, four losses, and two ties in the same period.

Doosan had rested for eight days across six games due to extreme heat. Although their overwhelming pitching strength has been a key asset, all teams took extended breaks to reorganize their pitching staffs. For Doosan, this game was even more critical as they desperately needed another win.

It was a flawless script. Starter Kwak Bin threw just 81 pitches over six innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out ten in a scoreless perfect outing. He lowered his ERA from 2.66 to 2.53, moving into first place in the strikeout category after recording 125 strikeouts this season.

Wang Yencheng, who had previously dominated Doosan with three wins and no losses across three games this season (ERA 1.47), was pulled mid-sixth inning. Park Ji-hoon, who had been strong with four hits in eight at-bats, delivered three hits to shake the pitcher's confidence. Yang Eui-ji also hit a solo home run in the sixth, sealing Wang's removal as a decisive factor.

The only blemish was failing to reach ten wins. Entering the seventh inning to hand over to the bullpen ahead of his scheduled start against KIA Tigers on the 16th, Kim Jung-woo and Kim Taek-yeon surrendered consecutive home runs, allowing Hanwha to tie the game at 3-3 and eliminating Doosan's path to victory.

However, the momentum shifted instantly. In the bottom of the seventh, facing reliever Jang Yu-ho, Kim Daehyun hit a double with one out, followed by Park Ji-hoon's infield single, setting up the scoring opportunity. Park Jun-soon then drove in three runs with a home run to seal the win.

In the eighth inning, Takada Daikuto entered the mound, and closer Lee Young-ha closed out the ninth inning cleanly to secure the victory.

Manager Kim Won-hyeong expressed deep satisfaction with the game. Afterward, he said, "Park Jun-soon's home run was decisive. From the first pitch, he boldly swung the bat and delivered a valuable win for the team." He added, "I also praise the performances of Kim Daehyun and Park Ji-hoon as table-setters. The scene of Park Jun-soon's game-winning home run came after the top two batters hit consecutive singles to create an opportunity. Yang Eui-ji also contributed with a multi-hit performance including a solo home run, fulfilling his role at number four."

The pitching staff also shone brightly. Manager Kim noted, "Starter Kwak Bin delivered another incredibly powerful performance today. Takada held the opposing lineup scoreless in the eighth inning, and Lee Young-ha secured a reliable save."

Wes Benjamin will take the mound on the 12th game, while Hanwha will start Owen White. Once again, an ace-vs-ace matchup is set. Benjamin joined mid-season and has fully embraced his role as an ace, particularly excelling against Hanwha with two wins, no losses, and a 0.75 ERA in two games. This starter matchup promises to fuel expectations for a five-game winning streak amid the team's soaring momentum.

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

*This content was translated by AI.