Kang Han-ul, the 'forgotten FA infielder' of the Samsung Lions, hit the game-winning hit, giving Choi Il-eon, the Futures coach, his first victory.
Kang Han-ul signed a contract with Samsung last January for 1+1 years for a maximum of 300 million won ($230,000).
After the contract, he said, "I thank the club for giving me the opportunity to continue with the Samsung Lions. Now that I have become a veteran, I will communicate well with my juniors and do my best in the position the team wants, becoming a player who can repay the fans' support."
Samsung evaluated that signing Kang Han-ul, who can cover all infield positions and has value as a left-handed pinch hitter, has strengthened its infield resources. It also expects to help manage the stamina of starting shortstop Lee Jae-hyun.
However, the disappointment was greater than the expectations. Last year, Kang played in 18 games, recording 2 hits in 21 at-bats with a batting average of .095, 1 run batted in, and 1 run scored. Since May 1, there has been no record of his participation in the first team.
On the 15th, Kang Han-ul hit the game-winning hit in the home game against the NC Dinos at Gyeongsan Ballpark, leading to a 6-2 comeback victory.
Batting as the designated hitter in the 7th spot, Kang Han-ul was retired on a fly out to center field in his first at-bat with one out in the second inning, but he hit a double over the center fielder's head with two outs and a runner on third base in the fourth inning, putting the score at 1-1. The runner on third, Lee Chang-yong, easily scored. In the 6th inning, with two outs and no runners on, he was out on a ground ball to first base. Kang was replaced by Oh Hyun-seok in the 8th inning.
The game ended with Samsung's 6-2 victory. NC had a scoring chance with one out and a runner on second base in the fourth inning. Jo Hyo-won hit a double to left field, scoring the first point. Samsung quickly turned the tide. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Samsung caught a chance to take the lead with consecutive walks by Yoon Jeong-bin and Lee Chang-yong, along with an opposing error, leading to runners on second and third with one out. Park Seung-kyu tied the score at 1-1 with a ground ball, and Kang Han-ul hit a double over the center fielder's head to put Samsung ahead, 2-1.
In the 7th inning, Samsung added a point with a single to left field by Kim Do-hwan and a triple by Kim Seong-yoon to the right center. In a continued chance with one out and a runner on third base, Lee Hyun-jun's sacrifice fly to center field increased the score to 4-1. In the 8th inning, additional points were scored with Kim Do-hwan's timely hit and Kim Seong-yoon's bases-loaded walk, sealing the victory. NC had to settle for scoring a point in the 9th inning with a sacrifice fly to center field by Jang Chang-hoon with one out and runners on first and third.
Samsung's starting pitcher Jung Min-seong, who threw 3⅔ innings with 4 hits allowed, 4 walks, 6 strikeouts, and 1 earned run, was followed by Lee Jae-hee, who became the winning pitcher with 1⅓ innings of scoreless ball and 3 strikeouts. Park Joo-hyuk, who was named Spring Camp MVP, also pitched 2 innings of scoreless ball as the third pitcher. Choi Ha-neul, who came in during the 8th inning, also handled 2 innings and earned a save.
Kim Do-hwan, starting as the 8th catcher, recorded 2 hits, 1 run batted in, and 1 run scored, while Kim Seong-yoon led the offense with 1 hit including a triple, 2 runs batted in, and 1 run scored.
NC's starting pitcher Kim Nok-won finished with 4 innings, allowing 2 hits, 5 walks, 4 strikeouts, and 2 earned runs. Song Seung-hwan was the only player on the team with 2 hits, but he could not shine due to the team's loss.
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