Ulsan Whales, 'US Independent League' Long Beach Coast Draw 6-6 → Meaningful 'Friendly Exchange' Before the Game Also Successfully Completed [Educational League]

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The Ulsan Whales recorded a draw after a fierce battle against the Long Beach Coast, a team from the US independent league, extending their undefeated streak in the fall. Before competing for a win, the managers of both teams also had a meaningful time to strengthen cross-border friendship.

On the 16th, at Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium, the Ulsan Whales drew 6-6 with the Long Beach Coast in a slugfest during their matchup in the 'KBO Fall League (Educational League)'. Following their victory in the tournament's first game, the Ulsan marked a record of one win and one draw in the Fall League.

Before the start of the game, a meaningful gift exchange ceremony was held to commemorate the friendly relationship between the two clubs. Ulsan Whales manager Jang Won-jin and Long Beach Coast manager Don Wakamatsu faced each other on the field, warmly greeting one another and exchanging prepared gifts.

The Ulsan welcomed the Long Beach roster by presenting souvenirs embodying the club's identity, including team caps, cheering mufflers, logo balls, and keychain dolls of the official mascot 'Orca'. In response, Manager Wakamatsu also reciprocated by gifting a Long Beach Coast team logo ball and a commemorative bat, adding to the warmth.

Manager Jang Won-jin expressed his impressions, saying, "I am happy to have had a meaningful time of exchange with the Long Beach Coast. Although we play baseball in different countries, it is significant that we can share our hearts and build friendship through the common denominator of baseball." He added, "I hope this meeting serves as an opportunity for both clubs to understand each other's baseball culture and continue a good connection in the future."

The game featured a fierce back-and-forth battle. Trailing 0-2 in the bottom of the second inning, the Ulsan scored their first run on Kim Seong-gyun's infield grounder to first base, capitalizing on a one-out, runners-on-second-and-third chance created by leadoff hitter Ye Jin-won's hit and Noh Kang-min's double to right-center. Then, in the bottom of the fourth inning, taking advantage of the opposing pitcher's mound instability, Shin Jun-woo tied the game with a bases-loaded walk, followed by Kim Si-wan hitting a three-run double that cleared the bases, instantly turning the game around to 5-2.

The team maintained its focus in the bottom of the seventh inning as well, when the score was tied 5-5. After leadoff hitter Park Moon-soon reached on a walk, Kim Si-wan hit a double over the left field fence, and Park Moon-soon scored on an error by the opposing defense's throw, taking another lead 6-5. In the batting lineup, Noh Kang-min led the offense with three hits.

The relay of excellent pitching from the mound also shone. Shin Jae-min, who entered as a relief pitcher in the top of the sixth inning, struck out three consecutive batters to build momentum. In the top of the seventh inning, Oh Do-young, a player on an entry test (from Gunsan High School and the Shanghai Orcas), and in the top of the eighth inning, Jo Jun-hyeok took the mound in turn, each recording a perfect inning with three outs.

However, the final closing was regrettable. Yuto, who entered in the top of the ninth inning, surrendered a bases-loaded walk, allowing the tying run, and the game ended in a 6-6 draw without a winner or loser.

Meanwhile, the Ulsan Whales, having recorded a pleasant exchange and a valuable draw, will take on the Lotte Giants in their third Fall League game at Munsu Baseball Stadium at 4 p.m. on the 17th.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original