"The performance of the transfer players stood out"
Kia Tigers defeated the leading Hanwha Eagles to claim their second consecutive victory. On the 1st, they won the 2025 professional baseball game against Hanwha at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, finishing 3-2 and rising to 5th place. With winning pitcher Jeon Sang-hyeon and closer Jeong Hae-young unavailable due to consecutive appearances, traded players Kim Si-hoon and Han Jae-seung made strong displays to preserve the lead. Following the breaking of their 7-game losing streak the previous day, they laid the groundwork for a comeback in August.
In the first inning, Lee Ui-ri allowed 2 runs first, but in the bottom of the first inning, they narrowed the gap with a run due to an opponent's error, and with a timely hit by Noh Sang-bum, they equalized the score. In a pitching duel, in the 6th inning with one out and runners on first and second, Han Joon-soo successfully turned the game around with a double that slipped past center field against reliever Cho Dong-uk.
After allowing 2 runs in the first inning, Lee Ui-ri showed powerful pitching and held the mound without additional runs until the 5th inning. It was his first 5 innings pitched since returning. Following that, after Kim Jae-yoo gave up a hit and was taken out, Kim Si-hoon came in and put in a strong performance, giving up only one hit until one out in the 8th inning and recording 7 outs, achieving his first victory since the transfer.
When Kim Si-hoon gave up his first hit, Choi Ji-min came in and erased two outs, setting the stage. In the 9th inning, another transfer player Han Jae-seung took the mound, finishing the inning with only one hit and no runs. Particularly in the 9th, after two outs, a lightning-quick throw-out resulted in an out. Initially ruled safe, the call was overturned on video review, ending the game. For Kia, it was a last-minute video review. Han Jae-seung recorded his first save since transferring.
Manager Lee Beom-ho noted, "It was a game where the performance of the transfer players stood out," adding, "Lee Ui-ri managed to navigate through crisis situations effectively, holding on for 5 innings with 2 runs allowed. His slider was effective. Kim Si-hoon played a decisive role in today's team victory, perfectly shutting down 2.1 innings while we couldn't activate our main relief pitchers. Han Jae-seung also came in during a close one-run situation and did an excellent job against the core lineup. He made a significant contribution to the team's victory for two consecutive days," and he applauded.
He continued, "On the field, Noh Sang-bum recorded multi-hits, showing an improved batting sense, and Han Joon-soo rewarded the manager's expectations with a game-winning hit in a crucial situation. Park Chan-ho's defensive play in the 8th inning was also a great help to today's victory," expressing his gratitude. Finally, he said, "Winning by one run for two consecutive days feels even more significant. I'm thankful to the players for their best effort and to the fans who supported us as an enthusiastic crowd," while smiling.
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