Remembering that day 1,495 days ago: Lotte's Go Seung-min explodes with a multi-homer game but reflects ands himself, saying, "Everything except the home runs was disappointing." [Incheon Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Lotte Giants' Go Seung-min (26) experienced a moment of reflection and after recording his first multi-homer game in four years.

On the 13th, Go Seung-min started as the fifth batter and second baseman in Lotte's road game against SSG Landers at IncheonSSG Landers Field during the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season. He went 2-for-5 with two home runs, three RBIs, and two runs scored, leading his team to an 11-0 victory.

Thanks to this performance, Lotte starting pitcher Alvin Rodriguez earned his seventh win (with eight losses) of the season, pitching six innings while allowing five hits, one walk, and striking out five batters without surrendering any runs. Lotte also ended its two-game losing streak, improving their record to 45 wins, two ties, and 56 losses.

On this day, Lotte's lineup bounced back from the humiliation of just 10 hits in the previous two games, hitting 13 hits including five home runs and achieving their fourth consecutive game with all starting batters getting a hit. At the center of this effort was Go Seung-min. In the bottom of the fourth inning, with Lotte leading 3-0, Go stepped up as the leadoff hitter and connected on a low slider in an unfavorable 0 balls, 2 strikes count, sending it over the left-center field fence. A season-high 130-meter home run, his eighth of the year.

That wasn't the end. In the top of the fifth inning with one out and a runner on first base, Go attacked Takeda Shota's first pitch, launching it beyond the right-field fence for another home run. This was his ninth home run of the season, traveling 115 meters. It marked only his second multi-homer game since July 10, 2022, against the Suwon KT Wiz.

After the game, Go Seung-min met with reporters and said, "I hit two home runs in a single game before at Suwon. I don't have many memories of hitting two home runs in one game, so this one stands out." He added with a smile, "But everything except the home runs felt disappointing. Instead of having such explosive games, I wish I could perform consistently well every day," reflecting on his performance.

This game was significant as Go definitively broke through against his nemesis, Takeda. Before this match, Takeda had struggled with a season ERA of 6.89 over 18 games but had been particularly strong against Lotte, posting an ERA of 3.18 in three previous matchups. However, after this game, his ERA against Lotte jumped to 5.32.

Go Seung-min responded, "In the previous two games, we were criticized for being too late with our timing and playing too cautiously. The strategy analysis suggested hitting more aggressively with quicker timing, and it worked."

The inconsistency wasn't just Go's problem. Lotte's lineup occasionally showed explosive offensive power, but such performances were far too rare. Go said, "Not everyone can hit a .300 batting average. If our team struggles, the entire lineup suffers; if we're doing well, everyone benefits. I believe this is also part of skill." Heed further.

He continued, "This leads to differences in game performance. While not every player can follow the same cycle, when some players struggle, others step up and help each other out. All players are aware of these issues and are striving to hit consistently."

As of the conclusion of the the 13th game, Lotte had 41 games remaining. With a nine-game gap behind fifth-place Doosan Bears, who hold the playoff qualification spot, reaching the postseason this year appears unlikely. Nevertheless, the team remains determined to fight for it.

Go Seung-min stated, "When things aren't going well, I'll slide head-first even if it means getting hit. I'll sprint with full effort and do my best no matter what." He added, "We haven't been officially eliminated from the postseason yet. If we give our all in every remaining game, the results will follow. I hope to become a player who contributes significantly to future victories," reaffirming his resolve.

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*This content was translated by AI.