'Tied in the 9th, then a walk-off hit in extra innings' — Song Chan-ui saved LG! "I tried not to chase pitches I couldn't hit" [Busan on-site report]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

LG dropped a victory that was nearly secured in the bottom of the 9th inning. At a moment when it could have turned into the most painful defeat of the season's final stretch, Song Chan-ui (27, LG Twins) once again rescued his team.

In the away game against the Lotte Giants at Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium on the 10th, part of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season, Song Chan-ui started as the sixth hitter and left fielder, recording two hits in five at-bats and two RBIs to contribute to LG's 4-3 victory in the 10th inning.

Both hits came at crucial moments. With LG trailing 0-1 in the top of the 2nd inning with one out and a runner on second base, Song Chan-ui hit a double down the left-field line off Na Gyun-an to tie the game at 1-1. After that, he struggled to find another opportunity. He struck out on three pitches in the 4th, lined out to first base in the 6th, and grounded out on the first pitch of the 8th.

However, his bat swung again at the most critical moment. With LG leading 3-1 in the bottom of the 9th, closer Son Ju-young gave up two runs, allowing the game to be tied at 3-3. Following a 1-9 shutout loss to Lotte the previous day, another comeback defeat would have had fatal consequences for LG's race for third place.

In the top of the 10th inning with one out, Moon Jung-bin reached on a deep infield hit to shortstop, and pinch runner Choi Won-young was sent in. Following Moon Bo-kyung's line drive single to right field, Song Chan-ui came to the plate with runners on first and third bases and one out. Song Chan-ui did not hesitate to attack the first-pitch forkball from Iimura Shota.

The hard-hit ball rolled toward third baseman Han Dong-hee. Although Han caught it well and threw immediately to home, pinch runner Choi Won-young's legs were slightly faster. It was recorded as an infield hit. Thus, after a grueling battle, LG regained the lead 4-3, and Lee Woo-chan held the lead scoreless in the bottom of the 10th, making Song Chan-ui's second hit the winning run.

After the game, Song Chan-ui exhaled a sigh of relief, saying, "I have always played as prepared, but I am glad we could win by not giving up and working hard." Reflecting on the winning hit situation, he said, "With one out and runners on first and third, I was facing a good pitcher, and I thought he would come in to get me out from the first pitch," adding, "I have been playing several games with poor batting form, so it seems like I just got lucky."

Rather, he clearly recognized his recent issues. Song Chan-ui explained, "During the few games when my batting was off, I felt like I kept chasing pitches I couldn't hit," adding, "So I decided to focus on pitches I could hit."

The game showcased exactly what LG had been hoping for from Song Chan-ui. Song Chan-ui was selected by LG in the 7th round, 67th overall pick of the second draft in the 2018 KBO Rookie Draft. After completing his military service, he debuted in the first division in 2022 but struggled to secure a firm spot. He started with 78 at-bats in 2022, followed by just 22 at-bats in 2023 and 21 at-bats in 2024, and last year he managed only 66 games and 166 at-bats.

This year has been different. Through this game, Song Chan-ui has recorded 16 home runs and 73 RBIs in 117 games, effectively setting new career highs in most of his personal statistics and establishing himself as a key hitter. He emphasized an approach of waiting for pitches he could hit rather than blindly attacking aggressively while still generating hard contact, and that change was evident even in the decisive at-bat late in the season.

This winning hit carried significance beyond personal records. LG had already lost the possibility of securing third place on its own strength following the previous day's loss. A defeat today would have further dimmed hopes for a direct berth to the 준플레이오프 (junior playoffs). Song Chan-ui was well aware of the team's situation. He emphasized, "The team is aiming for higher places while going through a somewhat difficult period," adding, "First, we will do our best in the remaining games, and since there are still games ahead, I am focusing only on that."

He also expressed gratitude to LG fans who traveled to Busan. Song Chan-ui said, "Thank you for always giving us so much support. Even though I have not been putting up good performances, I am doing my best, so I hope you will continue to cheer for us," adding, "I will strive to become a player worthy of that support."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original