In the final episode aired on Channel A, the legendary team Black Queens, the 50th women's baseball team in Korea, faced off against the Heroines in an epic eighth match. Despite their improved performance, including executing a perfect pick-off play, the Black Queens narrowly lost 9-8.
Trailing 9-7 until the bottom of the third inning, the Black Queens regained momentum in the top of the fourth when Jang Soo-young achieved a scoreless inning. With hits from Song Ah and Shin So-jung, they loaded the bases due to a fielding error by the opposing third baseman. However, a base-running error by Song Ah halted their momentum, and they failed to score despite another bases-loaded opportunity. Coach Choo Shin-soo took a moment to compose himself, while Song Ah expressed her regret with tears. Captain Kim On-ah rallied her teammates, saying, "We haven't lost the game yet. Let's not waste our practice and give it another shot!"
In the top of the fifth inning, with a determination to turn the game around, Kim On-ah and Shin So-jung executed a flawless defensive play, quickly achieving three outs. In the bottom of the fifth, Kim Min-ji reached first base due to catcher's interference and then stole second base. She scored a run on Ayaka's hit, but further scoring was thwarted as Song Ah's grounder went straight to the pitcher, and Kim On-ah struck out.
In the final defensive inning, Joo Soo-jin, playing first base despite a finger fracture, made a crucial out with her injured hand. With one out and a runner on third, the coaching staff called for a practiced pick-off play, but a miscommunication led to a failed execution. However, Shin So-jung's clever fake throw to second and subsequent throw to third resulted in a critical out, energizing the team. Joo Soo-jin then caught a foul ball to end the inning scorelessly.
In their final at-bat, Jang Soo-young reached third base after a throwing error and a steal. With the bases loaded, Kim Min-ji's grounder resulted in an out at home, and Park Ha-yan's fly ball was caught, leading to a controversial video review that ended the game at 9-8. The Black Queens concluded their first season with a 4-4 record.
After the game, Coach Choo Shin-soo reflected, "We kept repeating mistakes we shouldn't have made from the start of the season. It's disappointing, but that's baseball. We need to work harder to avoid this pain again." Both the players and Coach Choo were emotional about the outcome. The players shared heartfelt goodbyes, expressing gratitude for the memories and joking about future gatherings.
The players also shared their thoughts on the season. Kim On-ah expressed excitement about returning to sports after retiring from handball, Shin So-jung found a new passion in baseball, and Jang Soo-young cherished the emotions of returning to the field after 13 years. Shin Soo-ji, who was released after three losses, said, "I have no regrets because I gave it my all, but I'll miss everyone dearly."
The Black Queens' journey will continue in 'Baseball Queens' Season 2, with new players being recruited. The epilogue teased a new secret weapon meeting coaches Lee Dae-hyung and Yoon Seok-min, showcasing impressive pitching and batting skills. The production team promised a stronger team and an exciting experience for fans in the next season.
Reporter: Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr