Professional baseball team SSG Landers will face the LG Twins in their fifth meeting of the season on the 16th at Incheon SSG Landers Field. SSG manager Lee Seung-yong once again emphasized "selection and concentration" and lamented the previous day's come-from-behind loss.
On the 15th against LG, Japanese pitcher Ginjirō, signed as an injury replacement, failed to complete the fifth inning after allowing three runs in four innings. Using relievers Kim Do-hyeon and Jeong Dong-yun, they trailed 3-7 through the eighth inning. In the bottom of the eighth, Choi Ji-hoon's grand slam produced a dramatic 7-7 tie.
However, in the top of the ninth, trusted closer Jo Byung-hyun issued a bases-loaded walk to Hong Chang-gi. Trailing 7-8 in the bottom of the ninth, they got a no-out, first-and-second opportunity due to an opponent error and a walk, but Jeong Jun-jae attempted a bunt-and-slash and, after two fouls, struck out swinging. Choi Jeong was out on a fly to right field, and Erredia grounded out to shortstop, failing to take advantage of the tying opportunity and suffering a one-run loss.
Ahead of the game on the 16th, manager Lee Seung-yong expressed regret, saying, "Byunghyun is best the day after consecutive appearances. Because he appeared after three days, he had strength, but he couldn't pitch as he wanted. Yesterday was a game we had to win…"
With no outs and runners on first and second in the bottom of the ninth, the bench sign was a bunt. But LG responded with 100% bunt defense to protect the one-run lead. Jeong Jun-jae watched the first pitch for a ball, then on the second and third pitches he switched to an aggressive approach with bunt-and-slash. Both attempts resulted in fouls. He then struck out swinging.
The manager explained, "I gave the bunt sign, but the player made his own judgment and slashed, and I don't think the strategic play was bad. However, in the slashing process he should have made firmer, shorter contact, and that part is a bit disappointing. Still, the fact that a player would play that way in such a situation made me think it could lead to growth."
Is it acceptable for a player to go on the offensive despite a bench sign calling for a bunt? The manager said, "I always tell the coaching staff and players that I want creative play. If the result is bad and we lose, I'm the manager who takes all the blame," and added, "If the opponent had defended the bunt at 100% and the bunt had resulted in an out at third base? The fact that he slashed means he recognized the (opponent's defensive movement) and had agreed with the base coach. Rather than imposing this or that in a rote way, the player is the one who plays anyway. We have to let them play freely. If we criticize a bad result, they won't do it next time."
SSG is in a holding mode. Homegrown ace Kim Kwang-hyun left spring camp with an injury, underwent surgery and is out for the season. No. 1 starter White is sidelined with an injury. Veniziano has struggled to adapt, posting a 1-2 record and a 6.44 ERA in eight games (36⅓ innings).
Asia quota player Takeda has struggled with a 1-5 record and a 10.21 ERA in seven games. Ginjirō, signed to a six-week contract as White's injury replacement, has a 0-1 record and an 11.57 ERA in two starts (7 innings). In the rotation, Kim Geon-woo (8 games, 5 wins, no losses, 3.51 ERA) alone has been performing well.
Manager Lee Seung-yong said, "For now, there is nothing for me as the manager but to take a lot of criticism. I think we really need to do selection and concentration well. For now, May is going to be really difficult to endure."
He continued, "The front office is also looking into foreign players right now and is really working hard. We need to pour everything we have into winning each game by selecting and concentrating on the current roster as much as possible. If we do that, the manager will probably take a lot of criticism. I'm sorry to the fans," he said, assuming responsibility for everything.
[OSEN]