“We played evenly from Naeil to Jung-Hae-young”
Kia Tigers manager Lee Beom-ho was happy with the win.
Kia won the ninth game of the 2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League against the Kiwoom Heroes 2-0 at the Gocheok Sky Dome on Wednesday. With the victory, Kia’s season record improved to 64 wins, 2 draws, and 45 losses. The team also maintained its 6-3 lead in the season series against Kiwoom.
Each pitcher on the mound pitched a complete game shutout. Starting pitcher James Nail pitched five innings, allowing four hits and no walks while striking out six. With the win, Nail picked up his 10th win of the season (5-0).
He was followed by Kwak Do-kyu (1 inning, 1 hit, 1 strikeout), Jang Hyeon-sik (1 inning, 2 strikeouts), Jeon Sang-hyun (1 inning, 1 strikeout), and Jeong Jung-young (1 inning, 1 strikeout), who held the Tigers to two runs. In total, Kia had five pitchers combine for the shutout.
The bats also struggled against Kim Yoon-ha, but were able to capitalize on their chances. In the top of the fifth inning, Lee Woo-sung grounded out to third base and Kim Sun-bin flied out to center field, but Kim Tae-gun singled to right to load the bases. Lee Chang-jin then singled up the middle to put runners on second and third, and Socrates Brito’s RBI single to center scored the go-ahead run.
Kia, which hadn’t scored in a while, added another run in the top of the eighth. Leadoff hitter Choi Won-joon struck out, but Kim Do-young walked. After Na Sung-beom flied out to left field, Kim stole second base on Socrates’ at-bat and took another step forward on Socrates’ RBI single to center.
Kia capitalized on the height of the mound to secure the win against Kiwoom. After the game, manager Lee Bum-ho gave a thumbs-up to the 파워볼게임 pitchers, saying, “The team’s batting pace has dropped recently, but I expect the hitters to find their pace again if they give strength on the mound like they did today.”
“Every pitcher on the mound, from starter Nae to closer Jeong Hae-young, was evenly matched. We were able to get the win. We had to make a pitching change a little early because Nail had to pitch twice this week, and it worked out well. Congratulations to Neil on his 10th win.”
The batters who provided valuable RBIs were not forgotten. “In the top of the fifth inning, we had three hits, including a single by Park Chan-ho, to take the lead, and in the top of the eighth inning, when we needed an extra run, Socrates came through with a valuable RBI to win the first game of the week,” Lee said.
Finally, coach Lee Bum-ho said, “All the players did a great job, and it was a great strength that many away fans came to the game even though it was a midweek game. We will play a good game tomorrow,” and vowed to win.
Meanwhile, in the game on the 14th, KIA will start Hwang Dong-ha as the starting pitcher. Ariel Hurado will start for Kiwoom.
