The possibility of LG Twins' reverse sweep, which won a valuable game after two consecutive losses, is up to the sky. "If the game is canceled in rain on the 18th, Elijah Hernandez can play in Game 4," LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said, expressing his hope for rain.
After winning 1-0 at home against the Samsung Lions in Game 3 of the 2024 KBO League postseason playoff at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Monday, Yeom said, "I trusted the forecast of rain and left Hernandez to a long inning. I'm sorry, but it's the best card to win," adding, "My last hope this year is to pass the playoffs. I want to keep my promise to the fans that I will win last year and make a dynasty." The fourth game is scheduled to be held at the same place on Wednesday, and strong winds and rain are forecast across the country.
Hernandez, who pitched a perfect 117 pitches in all five semi-playoff games, blocked three and two thirds of innings on the day to post saves. He pitched 60 pitches, displaying two hits and five strikeouts. "I promise to win every time I get on the mound, so I was able to display my best performance," Hernandez said. "I'm in good physical condition right now, but I have to see what happens tomorrow. I'm mentally prepared."
Coach Yeom originally tried to put Hernandez in for three innings at the start of the seventh inning, but changed his plan. "In the sixth inning, Yoon Jung-bin and Lewin Diaz were timing Lim Chan-kyu, so we replaced him one beat faster," he said. "Hernandez raised his arm to raise his ball speed and improved his ball power."
Starting pitcher Lim Chan-kyu, who pitched 5 1/3 innings without allowing three hits, four strikeouts, and no runs, also praised Hernandez. "I had no greed to play in six innings. I trusted Hernandez and wanted to give him the ball to a situation where I was ahead of him," Lim said. "I feel that he has grown a lot by himself through the experience of the Korean Series. Even if I play in the fifth game, I will bring victory."
However, Hernandez will have a break on Wednesday. "I tried to reduce the number of pitches by using Detrick N.S. first and then connecting him to Hernandez. However, I deployed the team immediately as rain is forecast tomorrow," Yeom said. "Normally, Hernandez will rest when Game 4 is held. It's the best scenario for us to lose ground."
토토사이트 Samsung coach Park Jin-man also expressed caution against Hernandez. "I had a hard time facing Hernandez for the first time this year. I had a good rest and the ball was powerful," he said. "Batters will thoroughly prepare for the next game and show good performance."
In response, Hernandez expressed confidence with a grave expression, saying, "It's baseball that we don't know how it's going to flow."