The Flame Fighters, having achieved their seventh consecutive victory against Seongnam High School in Seoul, are now set to challenge for a win against Inha University.
In the 12th episode of the baseball entertainment program 'Flame Baseball,' which was released on the official YouTube channel of Studio C1 on 21st at 8 p.m., the scene where the Flame Fighters secured an extended victory against Seongnam High School in the second game is vividly depicted, along with the subsequent live broadcast from Inha University.
Previously, the Fighters had taken a 5-4 lead with a clutch hit from Mun Kyo-won, but they faced multiple crises during the broadcast. In the bottom of the 7th, pitcher Nippert showed signs of struggle after allowing a double to the opposing batter. Coach Kim Sung-keun chose Lee Dae-eun to get through the tough spot, but Lee Dae-eun gave up a hit to the next batter, bringing the score to 5-5.
Afterwards, the Fighters tried to add more runs, but they failed to widen the gap due to Seongnam High School's strategy of 'starting the players who did not play in the first game.' Seongnam High School also missed a game-winning chance, and with no outcome settled in the regular innings, both teams entered the first extra inning of the 'Flame Baseball' 2025 season.
From the 10th inning onwards, the game proceeded to a tiebreaker (a rule where the preceding two batters occupy 1st and 2nd base while the next batter comes to bat). Lead-off batter Park Yong-taek failed to execute a sacrifice bunt but got on base with a walk, and the following batter Jung Geun-woo hit a clutch single on the first pitch, allowing the Fighters to take a lead. Despite Seongnam High School changing pitchers, it proved insufficient to stop the Fighters. The Fighters capitalized on a wild pitch from the opponent to run home, and Park Yong-taek raced home on Choi Soo-hyun's big foul fly, quickly extending the score to 8-5. However, in the bottom of the 10th, Lee Dae-eun gave up a two-run triple, allowing Seongnam High School to tie the game at 8-8 with a squeeze play.
In the highly anticipated 11th inning, the Fighters regained the lead at 9-8 when Jeong Seong-hoon crossed home plate on Lee Taek-geun's sacrifice fly. In the bottom of the 11th, Coach Kim Sung-keun showed faith in Lee Dae-eun, keeping him on the mound without a pitching change. Lee Dae-eun calmly handled a ground ball coming towards him, securing one out. Subsequently, with the intentional walk ordered by Coach Kim Sung-keun leading to a bases-loaded situation, shortstop Im Sang-woo, who backed up Lee Dae-eun, turned a double play on the opposing team's hit, ending the long game.
After achieving their seventh consecutive victory, the Fighters faced off against Inha University a few days later. This game was the first live broadcast of 'Flame Baseball,' causing the players to display a mix of tension and excitement. Meanwhile, Mun Kyo-won, dubbed 'Today is Inha University,' created laughter by playing the role of a double agent, straddling both the Fighters and Inha University.
In the early stages of the game, the Fighters' starting pitcher Lee Dae-eun easily dealt with the opposing team's table setters, showing a strong start. Following that, the so-called betrayer (?) and Inha University's third batter Mun Kyo-won stepped up. Lee Dae-eun showcased aggressive pitching, demonstrating a senior's sharpness, while Mun Kyo-won held his ground, leading to an exciting confrontation. Lee Dae-eun closed the inning by striking Mun Kyo-won out with his signature pitch, the knuckle curve.
In response, Inha University appointed a 19-year-old pitcher as their official 'victory fairy.' Lead-off Jung Geun-woo ignited excitement in Gocheok Dome with a strong swing, hitting a double. After Choi Soo-hyun was retired on a pop-up to the shortstop, Park Yong-taek returned to the lineup. Entering with a determined mindset, he thrilled the Fighters with a clutch two-run double. In front of numerous fans who love 'Flame Baseball,' curiosity heightened whether the Fighters could maintain their narrow lead.
'Flame Baseball' episode 12 surpassed 100,000 simultaneous viewers just 14 minutes after its premiere. The peak concurrent viewership reached 212,000. Viewers watching the broadcast expressed their enthusiastic reactions, saying, "The game is so intense I think I'm going to lose it," "I'm watching at 4 a.m. in the U.S.," "The students from Seongnam High School demonstrate the perseverance of high schoolers. It's truly amazing," "Im Star is back!" "As expected of Taek-geun! He excels in strategic baseball," "It really feels like a drama," "Watching 'Flame Baseball' gives me hope to start again," "Choi Soo-hyun's shoulders are strong," "Whether we win or lose, I'm watching the best baseball and I'm 500% satisfied," "The ambition of Mun Kyo-won is scary," "Let's go Hero Taek!"
Next week on 'Flame Baseball,' the intense matchup between Inha University's powerful offense and the beleaguered Flame Fighters will be depicted. Curiosity rises about where the compass of victory will point in this back-and-forth power game.
Meanwhile, 'Flame Baseball' will contend against the independent league representative team on July 27 (Sunday) at Incheon Munhak Stadium.
The much-anticipated 'Mun Kyo-won Derby' between the Flame Fighters and Inha University will be available to watch on the official YouTube channel of Studio C1 on 28th (Monday) at 8 p.m.
[Photo] Capture from 'Flame Baseball' episode 12
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