"Sorry to White," Manager Kim Kyung-moon couldn't smile even after extra-inning victory, but smiled at the 10th-inning rally following a 'regrettable 7th and 9th inning defense' [Jamsil]

*This content was translated by AI.

"I'm sorry I couldn't secure the victory for you."

Kim Kyung-moon (68), manager of the Hanwha Eagles, expressed regret toward Owen White despite the thrilling win, apologizing that he failed to secure the victory. Although White delivered an outstanding performance, Kim felt deeply responsible for the loss slipping away due to unfortunate defensive plays.

Under Kim's leadership, Hanwha secured a 4-3 victory over Doosan Bears in a 10-inning extra game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 12th during the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League away match.

With a record of 48 wins, 50 losses, and 3 ties, Hanwha, currently in sixth place, narrowed the gap to Doosan, which dropped to fifth, by 4.5 games. If Hanwha wins the final game of the series, the gap could shrink further to 3.5 games.

Though it was a precious win, the process left much to be desired. White's brilliant pitching performance was not fully utilized. He threw 102 pitches through seven innings, allowing six hits with no walks and striking out seven batters while surrendering two runs (one earned). In an unstable bullpen situation, he endured long innings and left the mound carrying the requirements for a win.

The scoring process was also disappointing. White effectively recorded two outs in the seventh inning but allowed hits to Park Ji-hoon and then Yuneo Severino. With a runner on first base, Park Ji-hoon advanced to third base after circling second. However, the center fielder failed to make the catch on the first attempt, allowing the runner from third to score. Severino also reached second base. Later, when Park Chan-ho hit an infield single, another run scored with a runner on second. The situation was further regrettable due to errors leading to additional runs.

Even in the bottom of the ninth inning while leading 3-2, Park Sang-won successfully recorded two outs but allowed a hit to Kim Min-seok. Although an out call was made at second base, video review overturned it into a safe call, shifting the mood. Hanwha shifted its outfielders forward, but Park Ji-hoon's precise hit traveled along the right-field line for a one-run triple. While no additional runs were conceded and the game was pushed to extra innings, White's chance for a win vanished alongside the run scored.

The result ended happily. Hanwha secured a thrilling victory in the top of the tenth inning with sharp focus. Noh Si-hwan hit a line drive single to center field, followed by Kim Tae-yeon's sacrifice bunt advancing him to second base. A wild pitch allowed him to reach third, and Heo In-seo then delivered a go-ahead two-run single.

Lee Min-woo, who took the mound in the bottom of the tenth, cleanly retired three batters to secure a 4-3 victory.

After the game, Manager Kim Kyung-moon said, "White fulfilled his role as a starting pitcher by pitching seven innings, but I'm sorry he couldn't secure the win."

Nevertheless, this precious win is significant for Hanwha, which still holds hope for the postseason. Manager Kim added, "Although we lost the lead and faced difficult circumstances, I want to praise the players for their focus and unity that ultimately led to victory."

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

*This content was translated by AI.