Doosan Bears manager Lee Seung-yeop smiles at the performance of his veterans.
He was full of praise for his veterans ahead of their recent game against SSG Landers in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at Jamsil Stadium.
The main players are Kim Jae-ho (38), Yang Yang-ji (36) and Jeong Soo-bin (33). They have drawn attention by energising the team in the offence.
A typical example is the game against the Samsung Lions in Jamsil on the 25th. Doosan won a thrilling 4-3 victory with Kim Jae-ho’s clutch hit in the 11th inning. Both veterans played well in the game.
Kim Jae-ho made his presence felt in the 11th inning with the bases loaded.
Yang Jeong-ji injured his shin while running the bases, making it difficult for him to run normally. He came to bat in the bottom of the 10th inning with his team trailing 2-3 and hit a deep shot to left field. He then rounded first base and stole second. He winced in discomfort at the plate, but managed to get himself into scoring position and was replaced by a pinch runner.안전놀이터
Jung Soo-bin shook up the opposition line-up. In the bottom of the 10th inning, with runners on first and third, he boldly laid down a squeeze bunt to tie the game at 3-3. This was not a bench intervention, but an individual player’s decision.
Lee gave a thumbs up to the veterans, saying they know how to play the game. “I think the veterans know how to play baseball. They know the situation and they play baseball. I don’t usually go to second base (when I have a bad leg like Yang Ji). We were down by one run, and we needed a run. There’s a difference between runners on first and second base, so I’m glad I made that split-second decision.”
“Kim Jae-ho also had a low fastball with a 2-1 count, and he hit it while kneeling down for a solid hit. He got two hits, and Jeong Soo-bin also got a hit (with a surprise bunt). If the young players did a good job, I think it’s fair to say that the veterans’ experience and discipline at the end led to the victory.”
Kim Jae-ho also had a standout performance against SSG in Jamsil a day later (26th). In the bottom of the fourth inning, with his team leading 2-0, he made a double steal with runners on first and third. He quickly swept home plate to score another run. It was his first stolen base in 579 days since 24 October 2021 against the LG Twins in Jamsil.
Doosan’s veteran play produced meaningful results. It was a moment when their presence shone once again.
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