Breakers Secure First-Ever Run Rule Victory with Stellar Team Play on 'Strongest Baseball'

The Breakers, a team from JTBC's 'Strongest Baseball,' achieved their first-ever run-rule victory by showcasing a spectacular display of balanced pitching, in-form hitters, and solid defense against Konkuk University's baseball team.

The 122nd episode, aired on October 20th, featured the Breakers competing against their alma mater, Konkuk University, under the guidance of manager Lee Jong-beom. Having already secured two consecutive wins, the Breakers were determined to win this match to earn the right to recruit two more players.

Notably, Yoon Gil-hyun made a surprising comeback, stating, "After the first game, I reviewed old footage and practiced shadow pitching every day." He proved his efforts on the mound by pitching four scoreless innings with remarkable balance, earning praise from coach Oh Ju-won, who remarked, "Hyun-hyung might cry?" Kwon Hyuk also announced his triumphant return in the fifth inning, striking out a batter who had hit an earlier single, regaining his confidence. Teammates cheered him on from the dugout, showing their strong team spirit.

The offense matched the pitching performance. Captain Kim Tae-kyun ignited the game with an infield hit, followed by a powerful sprint to first base that moved the dugout. Lee Dae-hyung and Lee Hyun-seung expressed admiration for Kim's hustle. As captain, Kim Tae-kyun rallied the team during a tense moment, emphasizing "one-team play" and urging them to "get on base and score in one go" to support the pitchers.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Breakers broke the scoreless tie. Na Ji-wan hit a double, followed by a successful bunt by Kim Woo-seong, Lee Dae-hyung's hit to avoid a double play, Lee Hak-ju's single, Kang Min-guk's RBI hit, and a fielding error by the opponent, leading to three runs. Lee Hak-ju was particularly outstanding, adding a two-RBI triple with runners in scoring position in the fifth inning after his earlier hit.

With this flawless team performance, combining strong pitching, collaborative hitting and baserunning, and stable defense, the Breakers secured their first run-rule victory with a score of 15-5, marking their third consecutive win. They also successfully recruited catcher Kim Woo-seong, pitcher Im Min-su, and third baseman Jung Min-jun.

Manager Lee Jong-beom's strategic decisions were instrumental, from starting pitcher choices to defensive positioning and the bunt play. He provided feedback to Yoon Gil-hyun on maintaining balance and adjusted Kang Min-guk's defensive position, preventing a crucial hit. Lee playfully remarked, "Did I do well?" after earning praise from Hur Do-hwan and Shim Soo-chang.

Following the three-game winning streak, Manager Lee expressed gratitude to the players for their effort and anticipation for the upcoming championship cup, bolstered by new recruits. The Breakers have now finalized their roster for the championship by winning all three player recruitment battles and strengthening their team chemistry.

'Strongest Baseball' will also hold its first in-person game on October 26th at Gocheok Sky Dome, featuring the Breakers against the Independent League representative team.

Korean netizens praised the team's chemistry, with comments like 'Lee Hak-ju's defense and hitting were insane today,' 'Yoon Gil-hyun's control is amazing,' and 'Kwon Hyuk's three-strikeout inning was tear-jerking.' Many expressed their enjoyment of the positive and bright atmosphere surrounding the team.