Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyung expressed his feelings after the team snapped an eight-game losing streak.
“Our batting has been a little stagnant, but today we showed a lively batting performance with hits from all of our starters,” Kim said of the 9-2 win over LG at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul. “Our players have always done their best in every game. Above all, I’m glad we were able to end the losing streak with a win today.”
Lotte, which had been struggling at the plate, pounded out 13 hits on the day. The team scored its most runs this season (nine) to defeat LG.
“Park Se-woong pitched well, and Jeon Mir and Choi Jun-yong did a good job in relief,” Kim said, adding, “I’m grateful to the fans who came out to support the team on weekdays even when the team was in a bad situation.”
Starter Park Se-woong was also outstanding. He held the LG bats in check with six innings of two-run ball. “When we went to the semi-playoffs in 2017, we started the second half with a -13 (game difference from first place),” Park said. “We’re only 20 games into the season. It’s April, so I think we can come back in a better shape,” Park said.
In the seventh and eighth innings, Jeon faced five batters and held them scoreless. He was particularly unable to get his knuckleball to work. He struck out Moon Bo-kyung and Oh Ji-hwan to end their chase.
“I try not to pay attention to the situation I’m pitching in or the score,” Jeon said, “I think it leads to good results because I think about each batter rather than the situation around me.” He also credited his catcher brothers for his high strikeout rate.
The player of the game was Hwang Sung-bin. He went 2-for-4 with a double, two runs scored, one stolen base and three RBIs. In the top of the first inning, Hwang 카지노 singled and stole a base off LG starter Kelly. He then stole second base and scored on a wild pitch to open the scoring.
“It was good that I focused on getting on base early on,” Hwang said, adding, “I only ran after seeing the sign of infield coach Ko Young-min. Coach made it happen,” he said.
He also revealed that he is hated by opponents for his aggressive stealing behavior at the plate.
“I don’t think there is a single person who looks at me and thinks I’m not working hard,” Hwang said. “I can’t stop doing what I’ve prepared just because that image is uncomfortable for the other team. I try not to pay attention to it as much as possible.”