Breakers Stage Miracle 9th Inning Comeback, Clinching 4-3 Victory in 'Strong Baseball'

The Breakers have written a miraculous comeback story in the bottom of the 9th inning, leaving fans in awe.

In the 126th episode of JTBC's 'Strong Baseball' aired on the 17th, the match between the Breakers and the independent league representative team continued. Trailing 0-3, the Breakers began their fight back in the 7th inning, launching two home runs in the 8th and sealing a dramatic 4-3 victory with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th.

Pitcher Lee Hyun-seung allowed a home run in the top of the 6th but regained composure, pitching steadily without further damage. In the bottom of the 7th, a throwing error by the independent league team, followed by a walk and a wild pitch, allowed the Breakers to score a run without a hit, narrowing the gap to 1-3.

The 'promised 8th inning' arrived. Yoon Gil-hyun took the mound in the top of the 8th and retired the side in order, shifting the game's momentum. Then came the Breakers' opportunity. With one out in the bottom of the 8th, Kang Min-guk stepped up to the plate. Despite being down to two strikes, Kang Min-guk fouled off pitches, earning himself another chance. He then swung with a light touch, sending the ball soaring over the outfield wall for a jubilant home run. This brought the score to 2-3, with commentator Han Myung-jae shouting, "The team's first hit in 27 batters became a home run!"

The independent league team brought in their third pitcher, Jin Hyun-woo. With two outs, rookie Jung Min-jun came to bat. Manager Lee Jong-beom, sensing an opportunity, advised Jung, "Don't pull the ball, just swing through it. If you swing through, it'll go further." Responding to the advice, Jung Min-jun hit a solo home run to tie the game, sending a clear crack echoing through the stadium. Manager Lee Jong-beom exclaimed, "Wow! It's gone! It's all the way!" while commentator Han Myung-jae called it a legendary moment.

Jung Min-jun shared his excitement, "I'm thankful they told me it was okay when I made mistakes early on and gave me confidence. I feel good that I could help the team." Manager Lee Jong-beom expressed his hopes for the young player's future, stating, "Today will be a significant catalyst in Jung Min-jun's baseball career. I believe he will become a player unafraid of breaking balls."

In the decisive 9th inning, manager Lee Jong-beom trusted veteran pitcher Yoon Suk-min to close out the game. Yoon Suk-min struck out the first batter with a mix of palm balls and sliders. Commentator Han Myung-jae marveled at his "amazing breaking ball that dropped right in the middle," and manager Lee Jong-beom praised his mental fortitude, saying, "Even when he's hurt, when Suk-min gets on the mound, he has this 'star complex' and pitches well."

In the bottom of the 9th, leadoff hitter Choi Jin-haeng delivered the ultimate blow with a walk-off home run, demonstrating the true essence of baseball. As the ball cleared the fence, Breakers' dugout erupted, and the commentators were beside themselves. Choi Jin-haeng raised his hands in triumph after confirming the game-winning hit, high-fived coach Jang Sung-ho at third base, and embraced manager Lee Jong-beom in the dugout, creating an incredibly moving scene.

The Breakers' 4-3 victory marked their first win at Gunsan World Cup Stadium in 4380 days. The game's progression eerily mirrored the circumstances of Yoon Suk-min's last win at the same stadium, creating a chilling parallel.

Overturning a no-hit game with three home runs in the late innings against a formidable independent league team, the Breakers created a legendary match. The home runs by Kang Min-guk, Jung Min-jun, and Choi Jin-haeng, each with its own compelling narrative, sent adrenaline soaring.

Commentator Jung Min-cheol couldn't contain his excitement, saying, "It's truly a drama. It's more exciting than any movie," highlighting the unpredictable beauty of baseball.

Choi Jin-haeng expressed his overwhelming emotions: "I felt a lot of things – the thrill I haven't felt in a long time, and the relief of being able to end a difficult game with a win."

Manager Lee Jong-beom, reflecting on the game, said, "I've been in baseball for a long time, but I've never seen a game like this." His insightful decision to place Jung Min-jun second in the batting order, which led to the game-tying home run, further solidified his nickname 'Jaktubeom' (prophet).

Korean netizens were thrilled, commenting things like "They really wrote a drama today," "I got goosebumps watching this game," and "Legendary game recognized," celebrating the Breakers' miraculous comeback victory.