"If the pitcher stabilizes, it will be a contest."

Hong Won-ki, the manager of the Kiwoom Heroes, shared his thoughts on the opening two-game series. Kiwoom faced last year's runner-up Samsung Lions in the opening two-game series starting on the 22nd. They lost the first game 3-13 and the second game 7-11. The mound could not stop Samsung's powerful lineup. However, the team's batting lineup showed some strength.

The starting pitchers they relied on collapsed. In the opening game, starter Kenny Rosenberg allowed 8 hits (1 home run), 4 walks, 4 strikeouts, and 8 earned runs in 3 innings. In the second game, Ha Young-min took the mound but also struggled in 3 innings, allowing 8 hits (1 home run), 3 strikeouts, and 5 earned runs (3 unearned). The starters could not hold on, giving up the momentum early.

Before the game against the KIA Tigers in Gwangju on the 25th, Manager Hong noted, "The starting pitcher unexpectedly collapsed early. So it seemed like a tough contest. Samsung's lineup is extremely strong in Daegu. Our pitchers also felt the pressure of their long hits."

However, Ruben Cardines and Yasiel Puig led the lineup by hitting home runs in both games. Choi Joo-hwan also contributed with a batting average of .500. Manager Hong said, "On the offensive side, we held our ground. Our lineup also performed well, keeping pace. I expect that as time goes by, the pitchers will stabilize and it will become a contest."

Ultimately, the mound has to function properly. "It's hard to predict with the batting lineup. Sometimes they struggle to score even a point. For the batting to shine, the mound must be solidified," he stated.

The starting pitcher that day is Kim Yoon-ha, who is in his second year. "I have taken on a significant role at a young age. I smoothly landed as a starting pitcher last year. If I can nail the first impression, I will adapt easily. Today, I am aiming for 5 or 6 innings, thinking about approximately 100 pitches," he said.

The starting lineup includes Song Seong-mun (2nd base), Puig (designated hitter), Lee Joo-hyung (center field), Cardines (right field), Choi Joo-hwan (1st base), Kim Dong-heon (catcher), Park Joo-hong (left field), Kim Tae-jin (shortstop), and Eo Jun-seo (3rd base).

Rookie infielder Eo Jun-seo is making his debut. Manager Hong explained, "Jun-seok has batting talent. I will give him opportunities alongside Dong-wook and Tae-hyun, rotating them all."

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