The Korea Baseball Organization's Doosan Bears continued their undefeated streak in the preseason by defeating the Samsung Lions.
Doosan won 8-5 against Samsung in a preseason game held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 10th. This marks their third consecutive victory since the season opener against Hanwha on the 8th.
Both teams tested their foreign ace pitchers. Doosan's Cole Ervin showcased a fastball reaching a maximum speed of 150 km/h, combining two-seam fastballs and change-ups, throwing three scoreless innings (allowing 1 hit and 4 strikeouts). Samsung's Ariel Hurado recorded 3⅔ innings, allowing 5 hits, 2 walks, and 3 earned runs while striking out 5. He reached a maximum speed of 148 km/h, mixing various pitches including curves, sliders, two-seam fastballs, cut fastballs, and change-ups.
The first run was scored by Doosan. After one out in the fifth inning, consecutive walks from Cave and Oh Myung-jin placed two runners on base. With one out and runners on first and second, Park Jun-young was dismissed on a foul fly to first base, seemingly ending the scoring opportunity. However, Lee Yoo-chan hit a triple to right field, allowing all runners to score. Ryu Hyun-jun and Jo Soo-haeng drew walks, creating a bases-loaded situation with two outs. Kim Min-seok added another run with a push walk.
Samsung, seeking to rally, completed a big inning during the fifth inning, successfully taking the lead. Lead-off batter Lee Jae-hyun reached base with a single to center and was replaced by pinch runner Cha Seung-jun. Yoon Jung-bin struck out on a swing, but Cha Seung-jun successfully stole second base. Lee Hae-seung reached base due to an error by the opponent, putting runners on first and third. Shim Jae-hoon hit a timely single to right, bringing one run home.
Kim Sung-yoon reached base on a ground ball, creating another bases-loaded situation. Kim Hun-gon was removed on an infield fly, but captain Koo Ja-wook delivered a crucial hit. He hit a double to right-center, clearing the bases and achieving a 4-3 lead.
Buoyed by their momentum, Samsung added another run in the sixth inning with no outs and two outs as Han Soo-ho hit his debut home run. Han Soo-ho targeted a fastball (145 km/h) on the fourth pitch after the count went to 2 balls and 1 strike against Kwak Bin, sending the ball over the left fence. After confirming the home run, Han Soo-ho clenched his fist in joy. Doosan chased back in the seventh inning with a single to right by Park Gye-bum and a double to left-center by Oh Myung-jin, narrowing the gap to one run.
Doosan brought the game back to level in the eighth inning. After one out, Jang Seung-hyun was hit by a pitch, followed by a single by Kim Min-seok and a walk by substitute batter Kang Seung-ho, creating a bases-loaded opportunity. The third baseman, who caught the batted ball from pinch hitter Park Ji-hoon, made a wild throw to first base, allowing two runners to score. In the ninth inning, Jang Seung-hyun sealed the game with a two-run homer over the left field.
Doosan sent out starting pitcher Cole Ervin along with Kim Ho-jun, Kim Myung-shin, Kwak Bin, Lee Young-ha, and Kim Taek-yeon. Oh Myung-jin completed a game with 3 hits, while Kim Min-seok and Jo Soo-haeng achieved multi-hit games.
Samsung's pitching staff included starter Hurado, Hwang Dong-jae, Kim Dae-woo, Hong Won-pyo, Yook Seon-yeop, Kim Tae-hoon, Lee Jae-ik, and Lim Chang-min. Koo Ja-wook delivered a clearing double in a bases-loaded situation, and rookie outfielder Han Soo-ho marked his debut first home run against former wins leader Kwak Bin. However, the team could not enjoy the moment due to the loss.
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