.jpg)
Lee Seung-yeop of the Yomiuri Giants, seen in this file photo, hits an RBI-single for a 4-3 win in the seventh inning as a pinch hitter in the Japan Series against the Nippon Ham Fighters, Saturday.
/ Korea Times File |
By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
South Korean slugger Lee Seung-yeop of the Yomiuri Giants hit a game-winning RBI single as a pinch hitter against the Nippon Ham Fighters in Game 1 of the Japan Series.
Lee made the hit for a 4-2 lead in the seventh inning ― and it became the game-winning run as the Giants closer Marc Croon finished a 4-3 win, allowing one run in the ninth inning in the Saporo Dome, Saturday.
``As I made a hit at a very important moment, I am very satisfied,'' Lee said
With runners on second and third with one out, the 33-year-old Korean went to bat instead of Shigeyuki Furuki. Lee smashed the third pitch of Fighters pitcher Shintaro Ejiri into centerfield.
``I thought when a good ball was thrown I would hit it without concerning the ball-count. I tried to produce a sacrifice fly for a run. The ball was tricky to hit but the course was good and there was little bit of luck,'' Lee said.
``I am not sure whether I will appear in Game 2. But I will prepare perfectly to respond any time.''
The Giants slugger, who was in the second-tier league from the middle of this season, hadn't shown an impressive performance, generating.111 and two runs with 12 strike outs against the Seibu Lions in the Japan Series last year. But he is determined to rekindle his reputation.
``The first goal is becoming champions. Because I didn't help with anything by staying in the second-tier league, I have to contribute now for the team,'' Lee said.
``When I have a chance, I will not miss it. Even if I play only as a pinch hitter, I will not lose my concentration. I will do my best.''
yc@koreatimes.co.kr
|
