Netflix's 'Single's Inferno 5' Star Kim Min-ji Makes Surprise Appearance as Lead Batter in 'Baseball Queen'

Kim Min-ji, an athlete currently gaining attention on Netflix's 'Single's Inferno 5', made a surprise appearance as the lead batter in 'Baseball Queen'.

On the 11th episode of Channel A's 'Baseball Queen', aired on the 3rd, the Black Queens, the 50th women's baseball team in Korea, faced off against All-In, a team that has won and been runner-up in the Yeongnam Women's Baseball League for three consecutive years. The Black Queens secured a dramatic victory with a walk-off hit by Jang Soo-young after a nail-biting match.

The game was tied at 3:3 until the bottom of the 4th inning, with both teams showcasing strong defense in the 5th inning. Jang Soo-young allowed a runner to reach second base but struck out three consecutive batters, maintaining a scoreless inning for the second time. However, in the bottom of the 5th, Ju Soo-jin, Ayaka, and Song-a were all retired in order, leaving the Black Queens disappointed. In the final 6th inning, Jang Soo-young displayed remarkable focus, handling a hit from Lee Hye-young, the third batter and starting pitcher, for the first out. Kim On-a and Park Ha-yan efficiently dealt with an infield grounder from the fourth batter, securing the second out. Jang Soo-young then struck out the fifth batter, ending the inning without additional runs.

With the determination of "Just one run to win," the Black Queens launched their final attack. Although Kim On-a struck out, Lee Soo-yeon reached base due to an opponent's error. Following the orders of Coach Choo Shin-soo and Coach Yoon Seok-min, Lee Soo-yeon successfully stole second base with her signature sliding. Despite Kim Seong-yeon striking out, Jang Soo-young's persistence paid off with a timely hit, leading the team to a 3:4 victory. After the game, Director Park Se-ri praised the players, saying, "This was the most meaningful game we've played so far. You all did a great job." Coach Choo Shin-soo added, "This was the most satisfying game, thank you for making us feel alive," applauding the team.

The MVP of the day was Jang Soo-young, who contributed as both a relief pitcher and batter. When Song-a, who missed out on the MVP title for two consecutive games, expressed her disappointment, Coach Choo Shin-soo surprised her with a badge, acknowledging her as a co-MVP. He stated, "Without Song-a, we wouldn't have had the chance to turn the game around." Song-a later joked with the production team, "Isn't MVP usually just one person? I need to win it solo next time," showing her ambition and bringing laughter.

As the team prepared for the 7th game, a crisis hit the Black Queens. Starting shortstop Ju Soo-jin suffered a finger fracture during practice, sidelining her for four weeks. Additionally, Park Bo-ram appeared with a finger cast, prompting concerns among the players, "Is wearing a cast the new trend?" To make matters worse, second baseman Kim On-a was set to join the 7th game late, heightening the sense of urgency.

In response, Coach Choo Shin-soo made a surprise decision to appoint Kim Bo-reum as the second baseman in place of Kim On-a. Ayaka was assigned to the shortstop position, and Kim Min-ji was unexpectedly chosen as the lead batter. The new lineup was revealed as the Black Queens faced Quality Start, a team with three national team players, including a formidable pitching staff. Shin So-jung hinted, "This is my former team of two years, and they are on a different level than any team we've faced so far."

The 7th game commenced with starting pitcher Jang Soo-young on the mound. Kim Bo-reum cleanly fielded an infield grounder from the first batter and threw to first baseman Park Ha-yan for the first out. The impressive play by Kim Bo-reum was celebrated by Director Park Se-ri, Coach Choo Shin-soo, and teammates. Park Ha-yan then safely handled a ground ball to first base, and Jang Soo-young struck out Shin Nu-ri, a national team center fielder and fourth batter, to perfectly end the inning.

In the bottom of the first inning, Kim Min-ji and Ayaka sprinted after making contact but were narrowly out due to Quality Start's solid defense. Shin So-jung and Song-a followed with consecutive hits, creating a 2-out, 1st and 2nd base opportunity, but Jang Soo-young's hit fell short, ending the inning without scoring.

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