In a thrilling episode of JTBC's 'Strongest Baseball,' the Breakers showcased their determination by tying the game in the top of the ninth inning, only to suffer a heartbreaking loss with a walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth. The episode recorded a viewership rating of 0.6%, marking the 11th consecutive week of ratings below 1%.
The 135th episode, aired on the 26th, featured the second match of the 'Strongest Series' between the Breakers and the Independent League All-Stars. The Breakers entered the game at Gocheok Dome with the intent to secure a championship victory, while the Independent League team, with several players facing retirement, aimed to extend the series to a third game.
In the top of the first inning, Independent League's starting pitcher Jin Hyun-woo expressed his desire to perform admirably in what could be his final game, successfully retiring the Breakers' batters Cho Yong-ho, Lee Dae-hyung, and Choi Jin-haeng in order.
Breakers' starting pitcher Lee Hyun-seung vowed to pitch as many innings as possible, impressively using a slow curveball to disrupt the timing of the batters and cleanly finishing the bottom of the first inning. Coach Lee Jong-beom praised his performance, commenting on the effectiveness of his slow curve.
In the bottom of the second inning, Coach Lee Jong-beom showed confidence in captain Kim Tae-kyun, encouraging him with a playful remark. Kim Tae-kyun reached base after being hit by a pitch, expressing his eagerness to run, though Coach Jang Sung-ho humorously signaled against stealing bases. Despite loading the bases with no outs, the Breakers failed to score, leaving fans disappointed. The Independent League team scored first, leading 0-1, as both teams' pitchers continued to deliver strong performances.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Lee Hyun-seung, showing signs of fatigue, left the mound after allowing a hit-by-pitch, narrowly missing a quality start. He expressed his desire to complete the game and showcase his abilities. Reliever Yoon Seok-min struggled with control, allowing hits, and expressed frustration over his fastball's lack of power. Oh Hyun-taek took over, maintaining a zero ERA and escaping the inning without further damage.
With the score still 0-1 in favor of the Independent League team, the Breakers made a thrilling comeback in the top of the ninth inning. Substitute Lee Joong-kwon hit a crucial single, followed by a sprint from first to home on Na Ju-hwan's hit, evading the catcher's tag to tie the game, igniting excitement among fans.
However, in the bottom of the ninth, Oh Joo-won allowed a walk-off hit to Lee Jong-hyuk of the Independent League team, resulting in a narrow loss for the Breakers in the second game of the 'Strongest Series.' The series is now tied at 1-1, with the decisive third game set to take place in Pohang.
By Taeyuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr