*This content was translated by AI.
'Coach Flower' Lee Beom-ho (45), manager of the KIA Tigers, showed strong determination to achieve seven consecutive wins without getting carried away despite their unstoppable six-game winning streak.
On the 21st, KIA secured a decisive 11-1 victory over the Kiwoom Heroes in an away game at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome, showcasing perfect harmony between pitching and hitting. With six straight wins already achieved, KIA will face Adam Oller as their starting pitcher on the 22nd for the second game of the weekend three-game series against Kiwoom, aiming for seven consecutive victories. The Kiwoom starter opposing Oller is ace An Woo-jin.
Most notably, 'ace pitcher' Yang Hyeon-jong, who started as the day's pitcher, completed a historic milestone by recording his ninth win (six losses) of the season. Before this game, Yang had pitched 95⅔ innings this season and needed only 4⅓ more to achieve 100 consecutive seasons with over 100 innings — a record spanning 13 straight years. By pitching through five innings with one out, Yang Hyeon-jong added another layer to the KBO League's all-time record for '13 consecutive seasons with 100+ innings,' previously set by Song Jin-woo (Hanwha, 1994–2006 seasons). On this day, Yang delivered a stellar performance over 5⅓ innings, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out five batters and surrendering only one earned run, laying the foundation for his team's victory.
The mound relay pitching also shone brightly. Lee Tae-yang, who followed Yang Hyeon-jong, held opponents scoreless over 1⅔ innings across multiple frames, while Kim Tae-hyung, who entered in the bottom of the eighth inning, prevented any runs over two innings, firmly securing the back door.
The lineup also exploded powerfully. Leadoff batter Park Jae-hyun went 4-for-6 with three RBIs and delivered powerful hits. Kim Do-young, along with Kim Sun-bin and Kim Ho-ryeong, all achieved multi-hit games. In particular, Kim Ho-ryeong, who recorded three hits including a bases-loaded home run in the seventh inning that sealed the game, hit his second career bases-loaded homer and set a new personal record with six RBIs in a single game, celebrating the team's overwhelming victory.
After the game, manager Lee Beom-ho praised: "Yang Hyeon-jong's outstanding pitching combined with the batters' active offense allowed us to continue our winning streak. Yang Hyeon-jong has consistently maintained his spot in the starting rotation, providing great strength on the mound. I also congratulate him on achieving the historic milestone of 13 consecutive seasons with over 100 innings pitched. Lee Tae-yang also did an excellent job containing crises at critical moments for two straight days."
He further commented on the lineup: "Kim Do-young and Na Sung-beom played key roles as central batters, while Park Jae-hyun has consistently shown strong performance in clutch situations. Kim Ho-ryeong's bases-loaded home run ultimately decided the team's victory."
Having carefully managed his pitching rotation to seize the opportunity for a sweep of the weekend three-game series, Manager Lee immediately focused on the upcoming matchup on the 22nd. He bowed his head and said: "Just as we saved our strong pitchers, we will play well tomorrow as well. Thank you to all the fans who have supported us."
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*This content was translated by AI.
