Young team Lotte? A 20-year veteran also makes mistakes. Still, there's the head coach's 'Trusting corner'
Jul 10, 2024
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It was difficult to draw, but the veteran must-winner's fatal error was defeated. But 'Longguo' was not angry.
The Lotte Giants will play the second game of the weekday series against the SSG Landers at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 10th.
It is Lotte, which has lost three consecutive games. The previous day, which was the opening game of the second half, collapsed due to Kim Sang-soo (37)'s throwing error to the first base at a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the eighth inning. From the perspective of the head coach who trusted and sent it out, it is a collapse. Another veteran must-win group, Koo Seung-min (34), also pitched in one ⅔ scoreless innings, and it was a must-win day.
Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyung, who met before the game, did not trust the two pitchers. "But the two players have to do it."," he stressed.
"Gu Seung-min was not very good. But it's time to really do it. (Kim) Sang-soo was disappointed that the ball he was trying to count the second pitch of the first pitch fell out and gave the first batter a walk. But in the end, these two players have to keep coming out."
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Still, he gradually recovered his ball power and began to show his appearance like Koo Seung-min. His dream of 20 holds for five consecutive years was virtually frustrated, but after the season, Koo Seung-min became an FA. It is also an important season for a fresh start.
Kim Sang-soo received last year's dedication by signing a two-year, 600 million won non-FA extension contract with Lotte before the season. This year, he has already taken the mound in 44 games and played 44 ⅔ innings, with an excellent performance of 2-1-1, 1 save, 13 holds, and an ERA of 3.80.
At the beginning of the season, if the starter collapsed without a clear position, he often played before the fifth inning. Literally, like director Kim Tae-hyung's persona, he played the role of 'Anicole' that he put in the moment he felt he needed it on the bench. He moved to a must-win group as he entered the second half of the season. The presence of a veteran who does not die even at the age of 37 stands out with 20 years of professional experience.
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Then "I think I'll be a starter for the time being."But if right-handed hitters continue to be caught in important situations, Han Hyun-hee may feel sorry in the bullpen again. He reiterated, "A pitcher who is precious to no family."
As for the reason why he replaced 88 pitches the previous day, "I've never pitched long this year as a starter. Didn't you keep cutting it short in the middle. Also, I have to throw it on Sunday as well," he added.
There are young bullpens such as Lee Min-seok in the bullpen and Choi Joon-yong and Choi Yi-joon in the second division, but now the second half is the battlefield itself. It's time for experience.
lunarfly@sportschosun.com
