Lotte Giants clinched a 6-5 comeback victory over Hanwha Eagles in extra innings at Jamsil Stadium on May 15, showcasing a rock-solid bullpen performance despite high expectations for both teams’ relievers.
Dramatic Extra-Innings Win
Both squads entered the matchup having leaned heavily on their ace starters, setting the stage for a bullpen showdown. Lotte aimed to neutralize Hanwha’s key arms while holding their own. Relievers Hyun Do-hoon, Park Jung-min, Kim Won-joong, and closer Choi Joo-young combined for 4 2/3 innings of one-run ball after starter Kim Jin-woong exited after 4 1/3 frames.
Hanwha deployed its top bullpen options starting in the sixth inning, including Park Chi-guk, Lee Byung-heon, Yang Jae-hoon, Kim Jung-woo, and Lee Young-ha. Trailing 5-6 in the top of the eighth, Kim Jung-woo allowed consecutive hits with two outs, loading the bases with runners at first and third before Lee Young-ha entered to close the door.
Bullpen Resilience Shines
Lotte countered aggressively. Park Jung-min bridged from the sixth into the seventh. In the bottom of the eighth, with one out and a hit-by-pitch, Kim Won-joong gave way to Choi Joo-young, matching Hanwha’s earlier move. Choi secured five outs, rewarding manager Kim Tae-hyung’s trust and preserving the lead.
Despite Lotte’s bullpen posting a 5.43 ERA through 40 games—ranking eighth in the league—the unit weathered Hanwha’s challenges. Teams typically conserve high-leverage arms in extended games to avoid double the damage from fatigue, but both sides committed fully here without prior rest days or exhausted staffs hindering them.
Manager’s Postgame Insight
Kim Tae-hyung reflected, “In that tough spot, Choi Joo-young grabbed those five out counts coming in as closer, which let us hold onto the win. I’m grateful to the fans who filled the third-base stands.”
The victory highlights Lotte’s bullpen depth, proving unshakable under pressure in this KBO clash.
