'How is this possible?' Despite 7 hits and 7 walks, 'no runs scored' — Is this really happening? Kiwoom manager: "Players must be struggling more → I told them to focus"

*This content was translated by AI.

The day before (the 1st), in a game against SSG Landers, Kiwoom Heroes managed to get 7 hits and 7 walks but failed to score even a single run. Runners reached base in every inning, yet no decisive hit emerged, leaving the team silent. Manager Seol Jong-jin (53) of Kiwoom Heroes reportedly calmed the players first, who were blaming themselves amid deep frustration.

On the 1st, at their home game against SSG held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul, Kiwoom Heroes suffered a scoreless defeat despite reaching base 15 times — including one hit-by-pitch — while struggling with empty hits in scoring positions.

Meeting reporters the next day (the 2nd) ahead of their game, Manager Seol Jong-jin responded to questions about the difficulty of not scoring runs: "It's not me who is struggling; the players must be feeling it more." He added, "Runners keep reaching base each inning, but no timely hits are coming through. The players seem deeply concerned and discouraged. Today, I told them to refocus and play hard again."

Regarding the scene in the bottom of the first inning when Hiu-ra's ground ball single to left field resulted in runner Choo Jae-hyun being thrown out at second base due to a relay throw from opposing left fielder Guillermo Heredia, Seol manager downplayed the incident. "With two outs, it was a play worth attempting. However, the opposing defense's relay throw was extremely accurate," he said. "What was more disappointing than that moment was the failure to hit another timely run-scoring hit in the subsequent opportunities."

He also addressed the team's injury status and pitching rotation. Regarding Lee Hyung-jong, who was substituted during the previous game: "He suddenly developed a cramp in his leg that could hinder his defense, so we replaced him immediately. It appears to have been a sudden muscle spasm." He added, "I believe he will be fine today."

Starting pitcher Alcantara threw 77 pitches in the the 1st game, allowing 8 hits and 4 earned runs over 6 innings but was not brought back in the seventh inning. Explaining the decision: "He is scheduled to pitch again this Sunday, so we decided it was best to avoid overexertion and prepare properly for his next start. The relievers waiting in the bullpen are also reliable." He also commented on pitcher Park Chan-hyuk, who was hit by a pitch on his hand: "It's just a bruise. He will be okay."

Meanwhile, Kiwoom set their starting lineup against SSG left-handed starter Kim Geon-woo as follows: Seo Geon-chang (second baseman), Choo Jae-hyun (center fielder), Davison (designated hitter), Hiu-ra (left fielder), Park Chan-hyuk (right fielder), Ahn Chi-hong (first baseman), Yeo Dong-wook (third baseman), Kim Dong-heon (catcher), and Kwon Hyuk-bin (shortstop). Starting pitcher was Ha Young-min.

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*This content was translated by AI.