All of the players the coach singled out for honor were apologizing to their teammates. It was a puzzling statement, especially since it was a valuable victory that ended a losing streak. Why did they bow their heads?
The Doosan Bears won their 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League home game against the KIA Tigers 3-2 on Nov. 11 at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul.
Doosan, which had lost two straight at home, did not allow a sweep in front of 18,623 fans. The victory was made possible by a relay performance from the pitching staff, starting with Kwak Bin (24) and continuing with Lee Young-ha (26) and Hong Gun-hee (26).
However, Lee Seung-yeop was the only one with a smile on his face. After the game, Lee praised the players, saying, “Starting pitcher Kwak Bin did his job perfectly, taking charge until the sixth inning. Lee Young-ha and Hong Gun-hee also pitched well without giving up a hit.” “All the players showed their will to win in a crucial game that could have extended the losing streak,” Lee said.
It was not an easy victory. Kwak Bin, who returned from injury, pitched a perfect game through four innings before faltering in the fifth. He walked the bases loaded and struck out the side in the fourth inning, but gave up two more runs on two hits and a walk. “I was in a bad set-up position, but I was too conscious and couldn’t throw my pitches in that situation,” Kwak said after the game.
Kwak also gave up a double to Choi Hyung-woo in the fifth inning. Choi’s shot was to left-center field and bounced off the fence. The video review showed that it hit the yellow line at the top of the fence and was ruled a double. Kim then got Kim Sun-bin to fly out to left field, and Kwak finished the game with six innings of three-hit ball, two walks, one strikeout and two earned runs to improve to 4-2 on the season.
Lee Young-ha took over and pitched two perfect innings. With a one-run lead, Doosan closed out the game with a strong performance by Hong Gun-hee. Lee collected her third hold of the season.
Lee, who was away from the team for a lengthy court battle in the “abuse trial,” returned late last month after being found not guilty. “There was no pressure at all,” he said. “I always emphasize that I feel really sorry for the team during my absence, so I have to do whatever I can to make up for it.”
“There’s no pressure to pitch long innings or multi-inning games. The training department is doing a great job, so I don’t have any physical challenges. I’m feeling good,” he said, “and I’m glad I could help break the losing streak a little bit.”
“The pitchers did a good job while I was gone,” he said, “but I felt so guilty. If the starter is away, he might lose his spot, and it’s a loss for the team and for me.”먹튀검증
After a stellar April, Kwak took almost all of May off. “This time, I came up with determination. “If someone better than me comes out, I’m gone,” he said, “I have to show it with results rather than words. My goal is to stay healthy and contribute to the team.”
Young pitchers with outstanding abilities and a heart for the team have joined the team. That’s why Lee can’t help but smile.