“We lost, but it’s a game that makes sense for the team and for me personally”
The Kiwoom Heroes lineup for the game against the SSG Landers of the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on March 31 is Joo Sung-won (left fielder), Kim Hye-sung (second baseman), Ronnie Dawson (designated hitter), Kim Hwi-jip (shortstop), Lee Joo-hyung (center fielder), Lee Hyung-jong (right fielder), Song Sung-moon (third baseman), Kim Su-hwan (first baseman), and Kim Xiang (catcher). The starting pitcher is Ahn Woo-jin.
Joo Sung-won, who batted leadoff in the last 30 games and went 2-for-5 with a home run, one RBI and two runs scored, will bat first for the second straight game. Manager Hong Won-ki said, “I think I did okay yesterday in terms of hits and runs. Whether it’s defense or offense, he’s gaining experience as he continues to play. There are still some things I need to work on, but I think it’s positive to see improvement in defense and offense.”
Catcher Kim Xiang is also showing good form, having hit safely in five consecutive games. “Kim Xiang is also a player we expected to be around during the postseason last year,” said Hong Won-ki. We are hopeful to see him improve in the offense. It’s more important for the players to take advantage of their chances when they come than for us to give them chances. I think both Kim Xiang and Joo Sung-won have prepared well and have earned their place in the first team.”
Kiwoom lost its last game 7-11. Even though they lost the game, they still managed to score five runs in the sixth inning to turn a nine-run game into a four-run game and forced SSG to pitch all of their pitchers.
Coach Hong Won-ki said, “The batting is showing a certain amount of focus right now. Even though we lost, it’s a pretty convincing performance for the team and for me personally. We need to show offense that can take out the opponent’s must-win group somehow so that we can build on it for the next game. If we can show the same concentration today as yesterday, it will be a big boost for Ahn Woo-jin.”안전놀이터
Ace Ahn Woo-jin has only struck out four batters in her last two games. “In the second half of the season, she hasn’t been able to pitch long innings,” said Hong Won-ki. I want her to keep pitching well, but opposing hitters come in prepared. They’re trying to attack the first pitch or make sure they don’t miss a pitch, so she has to respond accordingly. I don’t think the number of strikeouts is important,” he said, putting his faith in Ahn.