Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyung expressed regret over the losses in the opening two-game series.

On the 25th, Kim Tae-hyung stated in an interview before the game against the SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field, “I don’t know if the hitting condition is at 100%, but we have to hit.” He urged the batters to step up.

Lotte suffered complete defeats in both games of the opening two-game series against the LG Twins at Seoul's Jamsil Stadium on the 22nd and 23rd. They only managed to score 4 runs while allowing 22 runs in two games, facing difficulties both in batting and pitching.

Kim Tae-hyung reflected on the opening two-game losing streak, saying, “If we keep failing to hit against good pitchers, how can we win? Someone has to step up, whether by hitting or making contact, but the players seem too eager given their inexperience.” He also mentioned, “In the bullpen, I intentionally tried out Kim Sang-su and Koo Seung-min. Since we cannot dominate hitters with velocity, it has indeed been tough. The young pitchers managed to hold up somewhat because of their speed, but it wasn’t easy for the veterans. I think we need to consider the situations when utilizing them.”

Lotte's starting lineup consisted of Hwang Seong-bin (center fielder), Ko Seung-min (second baseman), Na Seung-yeob (first baseman), Victor RAY (left fielder), Yun Dong-hee (right fielder), Jeon Jun-woo (designated hitter), Son Ho-young (third baseman), Jeon Min-jae (shortstop), and Jeong Bo-geun (catcher). The starting pitcher is Tucker Davidson.

Starting catcher Yoo Gang-nam was excluded from the lineup that day. Kim Tae-hyung explained, “Yoo Gang-nam still has deficiencies in catching the ball and in his movements. Since Davidson is a pitcher with a lot of changes in his pitches, we’ll start with Jeong Bo-geun first, and Yoo Gang-nam might come in later.”

Davidson will make his KBO League debut that day. Kim Tae-hyung mentioned, “We are looking at around 100 pitches. Beyond that might be tough. He can pitch on both Tuesday and Sunday.” He added, “It’s crucial how well we start. This is especially true for foreign players. The key is how well they can throw their pitches.”

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