Doosan finally broke the “Samsung jinx” that has been a nightmare this season.
Doosan won 8-4 against Samsung on Wednesday at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, South Korea. The win brings Doosan’s record against Samsung to 2-9 this season. The victory was a narrow one, as Doosan jumped out to an early lead, but survived several comeback attempts. Samsung remained in second place, but was in danger of being overtaken by third-placed Doosan as the gap between the two teams disappeared.
Keisho Shirakawa, making his first start of the day since joining Doosan, cruised through the first inning for Doosan, striking out Lee Jae-hyun after Ryu Ji-hyeok grounded out to the first Samsung batter of the game.
In the bottom of the first, Doosan took control. Jung Soo-bin led off with a single off the bat of Won Tae-in, who hit a 1-2 pitch that fell behind the plate. While attempting to steal second, Jeong was hit in the right ribs by Won Tae-in’s hard throw, causing him to crouch in pain, but he quickly returned to the base. Shortly thereafter, Heo Kyung-min lined a single to deep left-center field, bringing Jung Soo-bin home. Kim Jae-hwan followed with a three-run home run to give Doosan a 4-0 lead. Shortly thereafter, Won Tae-in’s fastball hit Kang Seung-ho in the head and Kang was hit by a pitch to the body, and Won was ejected under the rules. Samsung was forced to call on Choi Chae-heung out of the bullpen after just 0.2 innings.
In the top of the second inning, Kang Seung-ho and Park Jun-young made quick plays to eliminate Samsung’s offense. In the bottom of the second, Choi Chae-heung drew back-to-back walks to Jeon Damin and Jung Soo-bin. He then singled to drive in Jeon from second base.
In the top of the third inning, Shirakawa gave up back-to-back singles to Kim Ji-chan and Lee Jae-hyun. He was then hit by a pitch to Koo Ja-rook. Kang Min-ho followed with a single to bring home the 안전놀이터 runners from second and third, giving Samsung a two-run lead.
In the top of the fourth inning, Doosan capitalized on a defensive error. With runners on second and third and two outs, Kim Ji-chan’s throw to shortstop Park Joon-young was not caught, allowing second baseman Kim Young-woong to rush home. Lee Jae-hyun drew a walk and Samsung scored a run on a pushoff. Shirakawa was eventually pulled early after 4.2 innings.
In the top of the sixth inning, Doosan threatened to catch up when the speedy Kim Ji-chan singled, but he was tagged out by second baseman Kang Seung-ho while attempting to steal. Lee Jae-hyun drew a walk, but Koo Ja-uk’s throw to second was caught by the second baseman, leaving the bases loaded.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Doosan had a chance to take the lead. Jung Soo-bin led off with a single, stole second, and was followed by an infield single by Heo Kyung-min. Jeong stole third. Ramos’ pitch was a wild pitch, but it brought Soo-bin home to extend Doosan’s lead to 6-4.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Doosan capitalized on a stolen base. Cho Su-sung, the league’s stolen base leader, came to the plate and stole second base after leading off with a single. Jung Soo-bin drew a walk and then stole second to complete a double steal with runners on first and second. Heo Kyung-min singled, bringing home both Cho and Jeong Soo-bin. Doosan extended its lead to 8-4.
In the top of the ninth, Doosan sent closer Kim Taek-yeon to the mound. Kim struck out Lee Jae-hyun and got Koo Ja-uk to fly out. Kang Min-ho singled to center, but Lee Sung-kyu grounded out to end the inning, preserving Doosan’s 8-4 victory.