'LG's Undiminished Interest' Okada's 151 km/h Blast! Ulsan Whales Defeats Samsung → Rides to Fall League Lead with 3 Wins and 1 Draw

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The Ulsan Whales, leveraging the concentration they displayed in their final offensive turn of regulation innings, defeated Samsung to extend their unbeaten streak.

In their fourth match of the '2026 Ulsan-KBO Fall League' against Samsung at Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium on the 18th, the Ulsan Whales broke a tense 0-0 deadlock by scoring three runs in the top of the ninth inning to secure a 3-0 victory. With this win, the Ulsan Whales improved their tournament record to 3 wins and 1 draw, firmly maintaining their position as the sole leader.

On the mound that day, starter Okada's outstanding performance stood out prominently. It is known that multiple teams, including the LG Twins, who attempted to sign him during this season, are still closely monitoring his physical condition and pitching quality. Okada showcased his form by leading with a powerful fastball reaching a top speed of 151 km/h. Over four innings, Okada threw 64 pitches, allowing three hits while striking out four batters and recording no earned runs to completely shut down the Samsung lineup.

Following him on the mound, Seol Jae-wook, Jo Jun-hyeok, and Seo Yeong-jun took turns in a scoreless relay, and Yuto, who entered in the bottom of the eighth inning, recorded consecutive strikeouts over two innings to earn the win.

The tense 0-0 game was decided in the top of the ninth inning, the final offensive turn of regulation play. Lead-off pinch hitter Kim Si-wan drew a walk to reach base, and after pinch runner Choi Jae-young (a test player from Dankook University) advanced to third base by combining an opponent pitcher Hwang Jung-hyun's balk with Kim Seo-won's groundout that allowed him to advance.

Next in the batter's box, Ha Jae-hoon hit a low 134 km/h forkball into a hard-hit ground ball toward third base, and taking advantage of an error on the opposing team's throw, runner Choi Jae-young from third base crossed home plate to score a valuable first run. Meanwhile, Ha Jae-hoon advanced to third base.

Gaining momentum, the Ulsan Whales extended their lead to 2-0 with Ye Jin-won's RBI single down the middle, and in an opportunity created by Noh Kang-min's single to left field, Park Je-beom's RBI hit down the middle drove the score to 3-0, effectively sealing the victory.

After the game, Yuto, who earned the win, shared his thoughts: "I was very disappointed and felt sorry for my teammates because I gave up a bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning against Long Beach on the 16th and failed to protect our team's lead. I took the mound with the desire to make up for that regret, so it is fortunate and happy that I could contribute to the team's victory."

Meanwhile, the Ulsan Whales, cruising along with a record of 3 wins and 1 draw, will take a day off on the 19th before facing the Goyang Heroes in their fifth league game at Gijang Hyundai Motor Dream Ballpark Cheon-yeon Stadium at 10:00 a.m. on the 20th.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original