The Samsung Lions have extended their winning streak to five games following a thrilling series sweep. A dramatic walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory against KT Wiz on the 18th, marking their third consecutive series win.
Choi Hyung-woo Delivers Walk-Off Magic
Veteran hitter Choi Hyung-woo was the undisputed hero of the day. He drove in all four runs for Samsung, finishing with a hit, three RBIs, and the game-winning sacrifice fly. While Choi Hyung-woo took center stage for his offensive contributions, pitcher Miyaji Yu was instrumental in stemming the tide of the KT offense during the mid-game.
Miyaji’s Clutch Performance Shuts Down KT
The game was a tight affair, tied at 1-1, when starting pitcher Oh Seok-geun faltered in the top of the fifth inning. After issuing two walks and a hit to load the bases, the situation became precarious. KT Wiz capitalized, taking a 3-1 lead with a hit.
With the score at 3-1 and the bases still loaded, Miyaji entered the game in a critical situation. The momentum of the game was threatening to shift entirely in favor of KT. However, Miyaji’s forkball proved to be a turning point.
Miyaji’s Forkball Masterclass
Miyaji first faced Oh Joon-seok, striking him out on just three consecutive forkballs. He then induced a ground ball to second base from Yeo Dong-wook, ending the inning with a crucial escape. The most significant moment came when Miyaji faced Kim Ung-bin, who has considerable power. Miyaji unleashed a sharp forkball, earning another swing-and-miss strikeout, effectively ending the immediate threat.
This remarkable escape from a bases-loaded jam was precisely the kind of performance Samsung had hoped for from Miyaji. It provided the crucial stability needed to mount a comeback.
Miyaji Continues to Dominate
Despite the energy expended in the fifth, Miyaji returned to the mound in the top of the sixth. He allowed a leadoff single to Im Ji-yeol but remained composed. Miyaji then got Kwon Hyuk-bin to hit a fly ball to second base and struck out KT’s top hitter, Won Sung-joon, with a 143km/h high-speed forkball.
In the bottom of the sixth, catcher Kim Do-hwan’s accurate throw to first base successfully caught Im Ji-yeol attempting to advance on a ground ball, ending the inning without any runs scored.
Miyaji’s relief appearance was stellar: pitching 1 and 2/3 innings, allowing no hits, issuing two walks, and striking out three batters without allowing a run.
Unstoppable Forkball and Fastball Combination
Miyaji’s secret weapon was his devastating forkball, which proved almost unhittable, even when batters seemed to anticipate it. His clutch strikeouts all came via his forkball, reaching speeds of up to 146km/h. This pitch, combined with a powerful fastball reaching up to 153km/h, overwhelmed the KT hitters.
Miyaji threw 25 pitches in total, with 15 strikes, showcasing his improved control. His performance demonstrated a significant step forward in his pitching capabilities.
Looking Ahead for Miyaji and Samsung
If Miyaji can maintain this level of consistency, Samsung may have found a vital weapon for high-pressure situations. The question remains whether he can overcome his past inconsistencies to become a reliable force for the Samsung bullpen. His performance is a key factor as the team aims for a championship this season.
