The Lotte Giants held onto a lead against the Doosan Bears, winning 5-4 after a nail-biting ninth inning where the Bears took the game within a run. The win tied up the weekend series that is hosted by the Giants at the Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan, South Korea.
Early Runs Keep Game Tied
Both teams scored two runs to start, with the Giants scoring three more to get a lead they could hold onto.
The Giants were the first to strike in the first inning with a hit from Jeon Jun-woo scoring a run. Later in the inning, a ground ball bobbled by Bears shortstop Kim Jae-ho allowed runner Son Ah-seop to get home.
In the second inning, the Bears were able to battle back with runs. Similar to the error in the inning before, a fumbled ground ball by Giants second baseman An Chi-hong allowed a run to come in. In the next at bat, a hit from Park Kun-woo scored a second run, tying up the game.
Giants Get Lead Off of Yu
The Giants took the lead yet again in the fourth after a hit from Min Byung-hun drove home two runs. A fifth run came an inning later as a ground ball from Han Dong-hee drove home a run. This continued the strong few games Han has had, having earned nine RBIs in the last three games.
After giving up his fifth run of the game, Yu Hui-kwan was pulled from the game. Given the loss for the game, Yu’s 2020 record is now 6-3.
Park Se-woong pitched five innings for the Giants before being taken out of the game. Getting four strikeouts, Park allowed five hits and two runs.
Bears Make It Uncomfortable
The game became tense late, as the Bears scored two runs despite only having room to give up one more out. A two-run home run from Jose Miguel Fernandez made the game a closer 5-4. Despite giving up the home run, closer Kim Won-joong was able to finish the inning and get the save.
Third Game Coming Up
With the series tied, the Giants will host the Bears once more before this week of play concludes. First pitch for Sunday’s game begins at 5:00PM KST (4:00AM EDT), however, early forecasts predict rain could cause delays.
Around The KBO
A high scoring game went the way of the KT Wiz, who defeated the Samsung Lions 10-7.
A first-inning four-run inning by the Kia Tigers was enough, however, the team was able to continue scoring against the Kiwoom Heroes, winning 8-3.
Late runs by the SK Wyverns gave them the lead and eventual win over the Hanhwa Eagles 5-3. The series is crucial for both teams due to their closeness in last and second last in the KBO standings.
The first tie of the KBO season happened between the NC Dinos and LG Twins, who remained 6-6 after 12 full innings of play.
JackWannan.com 