I started last, but I'm already in second place and 4.5G difference. 0:8 → 12:8 against Kiwoom. 'Last place last year → 2nd place Miracle Team' This year again 'Miracle Race'

Jul 19, 2024

KT-Kium match held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 18th. KT players, who fell behind 0-8 and completed a 12-8 reversal, are cheering. Gocheok = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.18/

KT-Kium match held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 18th. The two-out bases-loaded walker is welcomed after hitting a tiebreaking grand slam in the top of the ninth inning. Gocheok = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.18/

KT-Kium match held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 18th. Moon Sang-chul, who hit a come-from-behind two-run shot with one out and third base in the top of the 10th inning, is welcomed by head coach Lee Kang-chul. Gocheok = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.18/

KT Wiz's rise is unusual. It feels like going back to the miracle path of finishing second in the Korean Series from last year's last place to second place.

KT showed that they are a 'miracle team' at the Gocheok Kiwoom Heroes match on the 18th. He trailed 0-8 and used a 12-8 reversal.

KT, which was dragged to 0-5 by giving up three points in the first inning and two points in the second inning, allowed three points in the bottom of the seventh inning and widened to 0-8. KT's batters failed to score a point to Kiwoom starter Ha Young-min until the sixth inning, and were blocked by Yang Ji-yul in the seventh inning. Kiwoom's victory was obvious to anyone.

However, KT scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning, followed by Kang Hyun-woo's walk with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, followed by a tiebreaking bases-loaded walk by Bae Jeong-dae, and added two more runs with Kang Hyun-woo's push walk and Bae Jeong-dae's sacrifice fly in the top of the 10th inning.

KT, which was considered the favorite along with the LG Twins and KIA Tigers but fell to last place from the beginning of the season due to injuries to its main players, has been fighting for survival at the bottom by holding on. However, as the injured returned and the team was overhauled, they gradually began to gain strength.

KT-Kium match held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 18th. The two-out bases-loaded walker is running after hitting a tiebreaking grand slam in the top of the ninth inning. Gocheok = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.18/

KT-Kium match held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 18th. Moon Sang-chul hit a come-from-behind two-run shot with one out and third base in the top of the 10th inning. Gocheok = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.18/

KT-Kium match held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 18th. KT Park Young-hyun and Kang Hyun-woo, who trailed 0-8 and completed a 12-8 reversal, are holding hands. Gocheok = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.18/

KT, which was ranked ninth with 12 wins, 1 draw and 20 losses until April, improved to third with 13 wins and 10 losses in May. However, he fell to last place with 11 wins, 1 draw and 14 losses in June. However, it is on an 8-2 run in July. Since the slump in early June, he has been overwhelming with 16 wins, 1 draw and 5 losses in the last 22 games.

KT, which is in seventh place, has 44 wins, two draws, and 46 losses, with only two wins remaining in its 50% win rate. It is only one game difference between the fifth-ranked NC Dinos (44 wins, 2 draws and 43 losses) and the sixth-ranked SSG Landers (45 wins, 1 draw and 45 losses). It is only 4.5 games apart from the second-place LG Twins (49 wins, 2 draws and 42 losses).

There is not much difference compared to last year's 92 games when the miracle was achieved. When he played 92 games last year, he was in fourth place at the time with 47 wins, two draws and 43 losses. It's 3 games apart from now. Compared to the initial severe slump, it is not a big difference.

How far will this year's miracle race end. KT is causing a typhoon this summer. In other words, the reversal against Kiwoom made KBO League fans cry 'KT Gengbo'.

indyk@sportschosun.com