A high-scoring seventh inning gave the Lotte Giants an 8-2 win over the Kiwoom Heroes on Wednesday. The game was the last between the teams in 2020, hosted by the Heroes at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea.
Explosive Seventh Inning For Giants
The team gained their lead in the seventh inning, as a performance over numerous relieving pitchers saw them put together runs.
Hits from Kim Joon-tae, Son Ah-seop, Jeon Jun-woo, Lee Dae-ho and Lee Byung-kyu, along with a sacrifice fly from Jung Hoon brought in the seven runs.
The first of the four pitchers to appear in the inning was Lee Young-joon, who had two runs scored against him. Kim Sang-su allowed the next two, giving the game loss to him.
Wyverns Score Early, Win Goes To Kim
The runs for the Wyverns came early in the game, not being able to score again once the Giants started putting down runs later.
The Wyverns struck first, as Kim Hye-sung hit home a run in the second inning. The team furthered their lead in the fifth inning after a ground ball from Kim Ha-seong allowed a runner to get home.
Giants starter Dan Straily was pulled after the fifth inning. The no-decision for Straily saw him earn five strikeouts, taking his 2020 total to a league-leading 152.
The win for the game went to Kim Geon-guk, who had a scoreless stint from the sixth to seventh innings.
The final run for the Giants came in the ninth inning, as a hit from Min Byung-hun drove home a runner.
Giants Block Heroes From First Place
Sweeping their two-game series, the Giants are now one-and-a-half games behind the sixth-place Kia Tigers. Their wins also stopped the momentum of the Kiwoom Heroes, who are now one-game behind the top-ranked NC Dinos.
Giants To Face Twins Next
The Giants will start a two-game series against the LG Twins on Thursday. The first pitch for Thursday’s game is scheduled for 6:30PM KST (5:30AM EDT).
Around The KBO
Putting down eight runs in the first two innings, the LG Twins won 11-5 over the Hanhwa Eagles on Wednesday. The game saw the team bounce back after an upset loss the day before.
A solo home run from No Jin-hyuk gave the NC Dinos the lead in the sixth inning. The team defeated the Doosan Bears 5-3 in the end.
A high-scoring game saw the KT Wiz defeat the Samsung Lions 11-6.
A three-run rally late from the SK Wyverns gave them a win, picking up a 7-6 victory against the Kia Tigers.