KIA Tigers’ high-priced bullpen, touted for its depth and talent, suffered back-to-back losses despite leading late in both games. Manager Lee Beom-ho’s expression darkened after the latest defeat on March 28 at Incheon SSG Landers Field against SSG Landers.
Massive Offseason Investments
The Tigers bolstered their relief corps with significant spending, totaling around 7 billion won. Key free-agent signing Choi Hyoung-woo joined forces with Park Chan-ho. Additional acquisitions included Jo Sang-woo, Kim Beom-su, Hong Geon-hui, and Lee Jun-yeong. The second domestic draft brought veteran Lee Tae-yang into the fold, enhancing an already stacked unit.
First Blowout: Hanwha Eagles Clash on March 19
KIA dominated early against Hanwha Eagles, building a 5-0 lead through six innings behind starter Na Il’s hot outing. Hong Geon-hui took the mound but faltered. Kim Beom-su struggled most, failing to record an out in the count while surrendering three home runs. The lead evaporated, handing Hanwha a comeback victory.
Latest Heartbreaker: SSG Landers Walk-Off
Against SSG, KIA starter Lee Beom-ho pitched brilliantly, striking out the side to end the ninth. Park Jeong-woo’s RBI infield single in the top of the ninth extended the lead to 6-3. However, Jo Sang-woo loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom half. SSG’s Park Jeong-woo crushed an inside-out full swing off a forkball for a game-ending homer, sealing the loss.
Despite Jo Sang-woo’s solid first eight innings, the bullpen’s unreliability stung. The captain’s pride took a hit as the relievers failed to hold slim margins, underscoring the ironic tragedy of KIA’s overhyped relief staff.
