On the October 10th broadcast of Channel A's 'Baseball Queen,' the 12th episode showcased the Black Queens, Korea's 50th women's baseball team composed of legendary former players, as they faced off against the powerhouse team Quality Start, which is filled with national team players. Despite a close match, the Black Queens couldn't overcome a 6-run deficit in the second inning, resulting in a disappointing loss. With a record of 4 wins and 3 losses, the Black Queens are now facing player release due to the 3-loss rule, and they are determined to give their all in the final game.
The game remained tied at 0-0 until the bottom of the first inning, but the Black Queens struggled against Quality Start's strategic plays in the top of the second inning. A series of surprise bunts, steals, and squeeze plays rattled pitcher Jang Soo-young, leading to a walk-induced run. The situation worsened with a bases-loaded hit that added two more runs, followed by skilled base running and a right-field hit, resulting in a total of 6 runs.
Despite the chaos, Jang Soo-young, along with Ayaka, managed to execute the first pick-off in Black Queens' history, breaking the momentum and ending the inning with a strikeout. However, in the bottom of the second inning, the Black Queens' batters were shut down by the solid infield defense, resulting in a three-up, three-down inning.
With the return of starting second baseman Kim On-a, the Black Queens reorganized their defense in the top of the third inning. Jang Soo-young regained her control, striking out the first and third batters, while first baseman Park Ha-yan safely handled the ball, quickly switching the inning. In the bottom of the third, Park Ha-yan reached base after a full-count battle and advanced to third on a wild pitch, creating a no-out, runners on first and third situation.
Ayaka's timely hit brought in one run, but Kim Min-ji was caught trying to advance to third, leaving some regret. Despite this, Ayaka and Shin So-jung capitalized on consecutive wild pitches, successfully stealing third and second base, respectively. Song Ah's long hit over the right fielder added two more runs. Riding the momentum, Song Ah stole third, prompting Quality Start to replace their pitcher with national team reserve Bae Bom-i. However, Jang Soo-young and Kim On-a struck out consecutively, failing to add more runs.
In the top of the fourth inning, Jang Soo-young struck out the leadoff batter and, with two outs and runners on first and second, struck out the fourth batter Shin Nu-ri with a fastball, marking her seventh strikeout. In the bottom of the fourth, Kim Sung-yeon was out on an infield fly, but Lee Soo-yeon was ruled safe after a video review, reaching base. Park Ha-yan then walked, loading first and second bases, and Ayaka recorded her first multi-hit game, allowing Lee Soo-yeon to score, narrowing the gap to 6-4. However, with two outs and runners on second and third, Shin So-jung struck out, temporarily halting the momentum.
In the top of the fifth inning, Jang Soo-young, still on the mound, struck out a pinch hitter in a crucial three-up, three-down situation. Park Ha-yan caught a difficult foul ball for the second out, and Kim Sung-yeon made a strong throw to first on a grounder to third, completing the three-up, three-down inning. In the bottom of the fifth, with national team outfielder Shin Nu-ri now pitching, Song Ah and Jang Soo-young's hits were stopped by the solid defense, quickly resulting in two outs, and Kim Sung-yeon struck out, swiftly transitioning the inning.
In the final sixth inning, Jang Soo-young, still pitching, recorded nine strikeouts with a mix of fastballs and curves. She threw a total of 128 pitches, surpassing her previous high of 106, and completed the inning with 10 strikeouts, allowing no runs. Her valiant effort drew admiration from the opposing team, who exclaimed, "Great baseball!" In the final attack, Quality Start's fastest pitcher, Kim Hae-ri, took the mound as the closer, and Lee Soo-yeon, Park Ha-yan, and Kim Min-ji were retired in order, ending the game at 6-4.
After the game, Jang Soo-young lamented, "If only we hadn't given up those 6 runs in the second inning..." Song Ah also expressed regret, saying, "I couldn't hit that foul ball..." With the third loss confirming player release, the atmosphere was somber. Team director Park Se-ri encouraged the players, saying, "We will decide on player releases after all games are finished, so let's give our best until the end." Coach Choo Shin-soo added, "We lost to their strategic plays, but we had one more hit than them. It was a game with much to learn, and I realized how much the Black Queens have grown, seeing great potential."
Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr