KT Wiz delivered a stunning offensive outburst, scoring four runs in the first inning during their matchup against SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field. The bold adjustment to the batting order propelled KT to a 4-1 lead after two innings in the series finale.
Strategic Lineup Change Pays Off
KT, topping the league in team batting average and OPS, snapped a two-game skid against SSG with this pivotal tweak. Manager Lee Kang-cheol slotted Oh Won-seok as the leadoff hitter, followed by Kim Min-hyuk in left field, Choi Won-jun in right field, Kim Hyun-soo as designated hitter, Jang Sung-woo at catcher, Hilri Eudeu in center field, and others including Kim Sang-su at second base and Lee Kang-min at shortstop.
“Choi Won-jun swung so freely that we gave it a try,” Lee explained. “Kim Min-hyuk hits well too, but Won-jun can drive it even farther. In the No. 2 spot, Won-jun swung freely as he pleased, and we moved Min-hyuk to leadoff.”
First-Inning Explosion
The rally ignited with Kim Min-hyuk’s single, followed by Choi Won-jun taking a hit by pitch to load the bases with one out. Jang Sung-woo’s RBI single to right field drove in a run, and Hilri Eudeu’s deep fly over the right-field wall cleared the bases for a three-run homer—his fourth of the season and first since August 8, ending an 18-game drought.
SSG starter Beni Ziano’s 127 km/h sweeper sailed over 115 meters into the stands, turning a potential gem into a nightmare for the Landers.
Manager’s Take on the Surge
“This lineup rising in deeper analysis seems to be clicking well,” Lee noted. “The creators deserve a bonus.”
SSG answered in the bottom of the first with Eredia’s sacrifice fly, but KT held firm at 4-1 entering the third.
