The Spark Fighters achieved an 8-game winning streak by defeating Inha University in a live broadcast game.
In episode 13 of the baseball entertainment program 'Spark Baseball,' released on the official YouTube channel of Studio C1 on 28th at 8 p.m., the Spark Fighters defeated Inha University 7-6, led by the revived Captain Park Yong-taek and the 'genius shortstop' Kim Jae-ho's outstanding defense.
Earlier, the Fighters took a 1-point lead over Inha University with a timely hit by the returned designated hitter Park Yong-taek. The Fighters' starting pitcher Lee Dae-eun climbed the mound but collapsed in the top of the 3rd inning after allowing consecutive stolen bases and a 2-RBI timely hit to Inha University. With this, combined with poor defense from Lee Taek-geun and Jung Geun-woo, the score widened to 1-3. Eventually, Lee Dae-eun ended up pitching the least innings among games he started this season. The following pitcher Nippert managed to stop the inning with minimal runs.
Inha University made it difficult for the Fighters with a strategic pitcher change. They quickly pulled starting pitcher Ko Do-young in the bottom of the 3rd inning and brought in left-handed pitcher Choi Do-yoon, effectively blocking the Fighters' left-handed lineup, and ultimately, the Fighters failed to score additional runs.
However, opportunities can come unexpectedly. In the bottom of the 4th inning, the Fighters created a chance against Lim Hyun-jun, one of Inha University's main pitchers. With Lee Dae-ho, Jeong Ui-yun, and Lee Taek-geun's efforts, the bases were loaded. A pitch thrown by Lim Hyun-jun hit batter Park Jae-wook, allowing 3rd base runner Lee Dae-ho to come home. Next, batter Kim Jae-ho hit a sacrifice fly, and the Fighters quickly narrowed the score to 2 runs, putting pressure on Inha University.
With Jeong Geun-woo reaching base after being hit by a pitch, Inha University ultimately replaced their most reliable pitcher Kim Do-hyun. The Fighters' next batter Choi Soo-hyun calmly earned a walk, leveling the score at 4-4. The captain Park Yong-taek then announced a perfect comeback with a 3-RBI double, bringing the score to 7-4. Viewers watching the Fighters' successful comeback erupted in cheers.
However, a problem arose. The Fighters' outfielders suffered injuries during play. In the end, Manager Kim Seong-geun reshuffled the defense with center fielder Jung Geun-woo, second baseman Lim Sang-woo, and right fielder Kang Dong-woo. But in the top of the 5th inning, Nippert was targeted by Inha University's batters, allowing the Fighters to concede a point, and Yoo Hee-kwan was brought in to finish the inning.
In the later stages of the game, Kim Jae-ho's excellent defense stood out. In the top of the 7th inning, with a runner on first base for Inha University, Kim Jae-ho dived to catch a ball hit by Moon Kyo-won that was heading toward center field, getting the lead runner out. In the top of the 9th inning, he fielded a deep ball heading toward shortstop, earning applause from the audience.
However, Inha University was fierce until the end. They reignited the offensive spark with a perfect hit from Yoo Hee-kwan. In a twist of fate, batter Moon Kyo-won produced a hit, bringing the score to 7-6, only 1 point apart. In the game's final moments, Manager Kim Seong-geun headed to the mound. Although everyone anticipated a substitution, Manager Kim simply noted, 'I trust you' and went back. Yoo Hee-kwan repaid that trust by inducing a fly out to right field and a strikeout, closing the game. Manager Kim Seong-geun's choice was filled with romance, leaving a lasting impression of a player who delivered results.
Episode 13 of 'Spark Baseball' surpassed 100,000 simultaneous viewers just 16 minutes after the initial release. The peak simultaneous viewer count was 206,000. Viewers watching the broadcast reacted fervently, saying, 'Even though I already watched the game live, it feels like a new match,' 'I'm sweating while watching,' 'Every time I see the infield meeting, my heart swells,' 'Lee Taek-geun is a true professional,' 'Mr. Moon Kyo-won flies whenever he plays against Inha University,' 'I fell for Kim Jae-ho on that day,' 'Mondays are better than weekends because of Spark Baseball,' 'Inha University's strategy is remarkable,' and 'The captain is indeed the captain, even bringing me to tears.'
After the broadcast, 'Spark Baseball' drew viewers' expectations with another live broadcast announcement. The sixth live broadcast of the 2025 season is set to take place on August 10 (Sunday) at 6 p.m. at the Munhak Baseball Stadium. The opponent is Seoul High School, the champion team of the Shinsegae Emart National High School Baseball Tournament. Tickets for the match can be reserved on Yes24 starting August 6 (Wednesday) at 2 p.m.
Next week's broadcast will depict a dramatic battle between the Spark Fighters and Daegu High School, a powerhouse in high school baseball with 8 national championships. The Fighters will face despair against Daegu High School's ace pitching but are determined to show baseball that never gives up.
The dramatic match between the Spark Fighters and Daegu High School can be watched on August 4 (Monday) at 8 p.m. on the official YouTube channel of Studio C1.
[Photo] Capture from 'Spark Baseball' Episode 13
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