Fire Fighters Face Double Setback as Key Players Miss Crucial Game

The Fire Fighters faced a double setback recently. Head coach Kim Sung-geun was unable to attend the game due to a sudden health issue, and ace pitcher Dustin Nippert is set to be out for about two months due to personal reasons.

On the 13th, the 24th episode of the baseball variety show 'Fire Baseball' was released on StudioC1's official YouTube channel, featuring a pride-filled match between the Fire Fighters and Busan High School, two powerhouse teams.

The Fire Fighters received unexpected news before the game. Nippert would be absent for about two months due to personal reasons, and coach Kim Sung-geun was unable to attend due to a sudden health issue. The Fighters' dugout was momentarily silent, but the players quickly rallied for victory.

The starting pitcher for the Fighters was Song Seung-jun, a legend of the Giants and a reliable pitcher for the Fighters. Making his first start at Sajik Stadium in 2,506 days, the stadium was electrified by his presence. Despite being 45, he showcased impressive breaking ball skills and focus, striking out two batters and thrilling fans. Song Seung-jun ended the first inning by getting Busan High's third batter, Lee Seo-jun, who was drafted by the Lotte Giants in the 2026 KBO rookie draft, to fly out to center field after an eight-pitch battle.

Busan High countered with their secret weapon, freshman Kim Kang-won. Although second batter Choi Soo-hyun drew a walk to create an opportunity, Sajik's strong man Park Yong-taek and Giants legend Lee Dae-ho were unable to capitalize.

In the top of the second inning, Song Seung-jun faced an unexpected challenge. Having not anticipated starting, he overate before the game. This may have contributed to him giving up a hit to Busan High's fourth batter, Choi Min-jae, and walking the next batter.

With the bases loaded and no outs, Song Seung-jun focused intensely to strike out the opposing batter. However, a defensive error allowed the runners to advance, and Song Seung-jun handed the mound over to Shin Jae-young with one out and the bases loaded. Shin Jae-young confidently pitched and aggressively attacked the inside, ending the inning without allowing any runs.

In the bottom of the second inning, under acting manager Lee Kwang-gil's guidance, the Fighters capitalized on the opposing pitcher's habits. Jung Sung-hoon and Lee Taek-geun drew consecutive walks, and Park Jae-wook earned another walk against a new pitcher, loading the bases with one out. Kim Jae-ho then hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Jung Sung-hoon to score and giving the Fighters the lead.

The Fighters continued to score despite Busan High's pitching efforts. In the bottom of the third inning, Choi Soo-hyun drew another walk, and Park Yong-taek and Lee Dae-ho hit consecutive singles to create an opportunity. A bases-loaded walk by fifth batter Jung Eui-yoon and a two-run double by seventh batter Lee Taek-geun extended the score to 4-0.

Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr