KIA Tigers’ “Captain” Na Sung-bum contributed to the team’s victory by scoring an RBI at a decisive moment.
Na Sung-bum started as the fourth batter and right fielder in Game 11 of the season against the Samsung Lions in the 2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field on the 9th and contributed to his team’s 9-8 comeback victory by scoring three hits, two RBIs and two runs from four times at bat.
Na, who got off to a good start by hitting a hit at his first at-bat in the bottom of the first inning, hit a grounder to the shortstop at his second at-bat in the bottom of the third inning. However, he completed a multi-hit game by hitting a midfielder hit with no outs and a first base in the bottom of the sixth inning, and garnered an RBI by hitting a sacrifice fly to the center field in the bottom of the seventh inning with the bases loaded with one out. He also hit a timely RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning with no outs and runners on the first and second bases, helping his team win.
After the game, Na Sung-bum said, “The team went all the way to overtime the day before, and I was also very tired, but I thought that if the players lost today (9th) in a difficult situation, it could lead to a losing streak. So the players played with a different mindset, and I didn’t think that I had to win unconditionally. We prepared equally well and talked about doing what we were doing.”
Regarding the tying sacrifice fly situation in the bottom of the ninth inning, he said, “I was thinking of hitting a true hit with the idea of making at least the second and third bases somehow because it was first and second base with no outs. If a good hit comes out, a hit can come out, so I went in with a comfortable mind. If I’m too nervous, my swing doesn’t come out, so I wonder if I fit well as I thought (in the game on the 9th).”
Na Sung-bum was a little sluggish in the home game against KT Wiz on the 6th and 8th, the previous three consecutive games, with no hits in 11 at-bats. “I try to prepare well for every game, rather than having an opportunity (to rebound), and I want to start in the best condition,” he said. “The coach takes a lot of consideration so that the players can focus only on the game, but it’s good that the players are working so hard.”
Is there any burden on him to replace Choi Hyung-woo, who recently left the batter’s box due to injury? “I think I should play my role in any batting order rather than any pressure,” Na said. “I try to play at the batter’s box more comfortably than under pressure, and (Kim) Do-young is playing well and Socrates is playing well, so I think I always play at the batter’s box with the intention of playing my role.” 토토사이트
“(Mind control) is not easy, but I keep trying to forget it. I try to forget bad memories and reflect on good memories this year. I think it will get better if that happens. There are not many games left, but if it helps the team a lot, the fans will like it,” he added.
