'Fire Baseball' achieved a lasting milestone in Korean baseball history with a 'perfect game', properly demonstrating the true value of baseball entertainment.
In episode 5 of the baseball entertainment program 'Fire Baseball', which was first revealed through the official YouTube channel of Studio C1 at 8 p.m. on the 2nd, the Fire Fighters, led by Lee Dae-eun's stellar pitching and Jeong Ui-yoon's three-run home run, accomplished an unprecedented record of a 'perfect game' against Gyeongbuk High School.
The game that day began with the Fire Fighters' offense. Gyeongbuk High School fielded their ace, Kang Yeon-woo, who throws fastballs over 140 km/h, aiming for a comeback. The Fighters turned the momentum completely with Jeong Ui-yoon's three-run home run in the top of the 3rd inning. As Park Chan-hyung, Im Sang-woo, and Choi Su-hyun reached base with consecutive walks, the core lineup, Lee Dae-ho and Jeong Ui-yoon, each delivered a hit and a home run, quickly scoring 5 runs to complete a 'big inning.'
Lee Dae-eun showcased efficient pitching, handling 3 innings with 28 pitches, and from the 4th inning onwards, mentions of a shutout and no-hitter heightened the tension. Commentator Kim Seon-woo cautiously predicted, 'We might see a major record here,' and a sense of excitement was palpable in the Fighters' dugout. Players whispering about 'shutout' and 'no-hitter' urged each other, 'We can't say that. The record will be broken.'
In the top of the 7th inning, the Fighters added 2 more points with consecutive hits from Lee Dae-ho, Jeong Ui-yoon, and Jeong Seong-hun, bringing the score to 7-0. The atmosphere had already shifted to favor the Fighters, but one variable remained: whether Lee Dae-eun would achieve the perfect game.
When manager Kim Seong-kun instructed to replace the pitcher, Lee Dae-eun pleaded earnestly, 'I'll step down if I give up even one hit. Please give me a chance,' and the manager gladly accepted. In a situation of extreme tension and focus, Lee Dae-eun finished the 9 innings with a flawless performance, allowing no runners, creating a 'team perfect' achieved through the concentration and determination of all the players.
In this way, the Fire Fighters achieved the 'perfect game,' a record difficult even for KBO professional teams, within the genre of 'entertainment.' This dramatic game, created by pitchers, batters, and fielders alike, garnered cheers not only from baseball fans but also from entertainment viewers.
Viewers watching the live broadcast that day reacted passionately, saying things like, 'Kim Jae-ho and Jung Geun-woo's advice is precious,' 'I can't imagine a Monday without Fire Baseball,' 'Why am I cheering for the Gyeongbuk pitcher?' 'Doran, who has become a dad, is different,' 'Choi Su-hyun's defense shines,' 'I believed in Jeong Ui-yoon,' 'This is the baseball of the Fighters!' 'Everyone seems to be genuinely invested, and I love it,' 'Today, Lee Dae-eun's control was insane,' 'My heart hurts too much, and I'm in tears,' 'A perfect game! This is love,' 'It's hard to express the emotions of a perfect game in words,' 'Thank you for letting me witness a game like this in my life,' and 'The flame of Fire Baseball will never extinguish,' showcasing their deep fan sentiment.
Meanwhile, episode 5 of 'Fire Baseball' surpassed 100,000 views in just 17 minutes after its premiere. The peak concurrent viewers reached a staggering 224,000, solidifying its status as a nationally popular baseball entertainment program.
Next week's broadcast will feature the Fire Fighters, who left a mark in baseball history with a cold victory and a perfect game, facing college baseball powerhouse Dongguk University in their first direct witness game. It will be possible to confirm whether the Fighters can continue their winning streak against a formidable challenge team on the official YouTube channel of Studio C1 at 8 p.m. on the 9th (Monday).
[Photo] Capture from episode 5 of Studio C1 'Fire Baseball'
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