On the 24th episode of Channel A's 'Baseball Queen,' the 50th women's baseball team, Black Queens, faced their final match of the season with a record of 4 wins and 3 losses. Despite making significant changes to their starting lineup, they struggled against the powerful batting and experienced base running of their opponents, the Heroines.
After a two-day training camp, the Black Queens arrived at the stadium and received warm encouragement from KBO stars like Yang Hyun-jong, Song Sung-moon, Ahn Hyun-min, and Song Joo-young. Coach Choo Shin-soo noted, "Today's lineup had the most disagreements," as he announced Ayaka and Jung Yoo-in as the battery, with Park Ha-yan at first base, Shin So-jung at shortstop, and Song Ah in center field. Kim Min-ji, struggling with her batting form, was excluded from the first base and center field competition, expressing her frustration by saying, "My mentality is broken." During the final practice, Lee Soo-yeon, Kim On-ah, and Jang Soo-young hit consecutive home runs, boosting the team's morale.
The Black Queens faced the Heroines, a formidable team with a national league championship and two runner-up finishes in the past four years, boasting a team batting average of 0.409. Determined to end the season with a victory, the Black Queens entered the game. In the top of the first inning, Ayaka delivered a strike despite the leadoff batter attempting a bunt.
However, a subsequent hit slipped past Kim On-ah's glove, allowing the Heroines to score. With runners on first and third, Jung Yoo-in's failed pickoff attempt resulted in two runs. Despite Kim On-ah's impressive catch securing two outs, a throwing error led to another run. Fortunately, shortstop Shin So-jung's ground ball throw to first baseman Park Ha-yan ended the inning at 3-0.
In the bottom of the first, Park Ha-yan hit a solid single, signaling a comeback. Although Ayaka's well-hit ball was caught by the third baseman, Song Ah's single completed her streak of hits in every game. With two outs, Kim On-ah's near-home run double and Jang Soo-young's timely hit tied the game at 3-3. Lee Soo-yeon's hit, followed by a first base error, allowed Jang Soo-young to score, giving the Black Queens a 4-3 lead. Commentators Lee Kwang-yong and Park Jae-hong marveled at the team's transformation.
In the top of the second inning, Ayaka's control faltered, allowing a timely double and consecutive hits, resulting in a 5-4 lead for the Heroines. A wild pitch, walk, and failed tag added to the score. With the bases loaded and two outs, Coach Choo Shin-soo replaced Ayaka with Song Ah as pitcher. Despite allowing a walk, Park Ha-yan's ground ball play ended the inning.
Desperate for runs, the Black Queens' leadoff hitter Choi Hyun-mi struck out after a full count. Fortunately, Park Ha-yan's infield single and Song Ah's timely hit narrowed the gap. Kim On-ah's two-RBI hit brought Song Ah and Shin So-jung home, tying the game at 7-7. The Heroines' dugout reacted with surprise at the intense back-and-forth game.
With the score seesawing, Director Park Se-ri remarked, "You don't want to win easily, do you? Can't you make it easier?" Coach Choo Shin-soo confessed, "While the players lose weight, I lose hair. The stress has caused my hair to fall out," surprising everyone. He even showed Director Park Se-ri his hair, revealing the hidden struggles of being a coach.
In the top of the third inning, the Black Queens deployed the Jang Soo-young-Shin So-jung battery. Jang Soo-young struck out two batters with impressive speed but then allowed two consecutive walks, loading the bases. A battery error led to two runs. Director Park Se-ri sighed, "Giving and taking points..."
In the bottom of the third, the Heroines changed pitchers. The new pitcher struggled with control, allowing Lee Soo-yeon and Kim Sung-yeon to walk. The Heroines' coach quickly replaced the pitcher. Despite Kim Min-ji and Park Ha-yan being out, Lee Soo-yeon and Kim Sung-yeon reached scoring positions, but Ayaka's fly ball ended the inning at 9-7.
Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr