The KIA Tigers, the defending champions of the 2025 pro baseball league, find themselves in a surprising position as they currently sit in 6th place, a significant drop from their pre-season status as overwhelming favorites. After a rocky start that even saw them at the bottom of the standings, the Tigers have managed to recover somewhat, thanks in part to a recent two-game winning streak that brings their record to 16 wins and 18 losses, giving them a win rate of .471. However, they still trail the 5th place kt wiz by 1.5 games.
Head coach Lee Beom-ho addressed the media ahead of their game against the Kiwoom Heroes on May 7, 2025, at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, emphasizing a gradual approach to climbing the standings. "I would rather accumulate small advantages than try to make big changes at once," he stated. Coach Lee pointed out the competitive landscape, noting that the LG Twins and Hanwha Eagles are currently tied for first place with identical records of 23 wins and 13 losses, which puts them a full six games ahead of the Tigers.
Reflecting on the season so far, Lee remarked, "LG was strong at the beginning, and now Hanwha is performing well. Clearly, at some point, teams—including us—will go on a winning streak. We need to catch up step by step; we can't leap directly to the top. We will prepare to follow good teams and understand what makes them successful." This strategic mindset is crucial as the Tigers aim to regain their dominant form.
One silver lining for the KIA Tigers is the performance of their foreign pitching duo, James Naile and Adán Olle. Both pitchers have been instrumental in minimizing the burden on the bullpen, consistently pitching over six innings per game. Naile, despite only securing two wins in eight games, boasts an impressive 1.09 ERA, ranking him first overall in the league. Olle, on the other hand, has a record of 4 wins and 1 loss with a 3.43 ERA, proving to be a reliable asset for the team. Additionally, Kim Do-hyun has contributed to the starting rotation with a commendable record of 1 win and 2 losses, alongside a 3.10 ERA.
Coach Lee praised the capabilities of his starters, stating, "Both Naile and Olle can cover innings effectively. Kim Do-hyun can pitch six to seven innings if he manages his pitch count well, and Yang Hyun-jong can do the same. Although we have a reduced bullpen compared to last year, our starters are holding up well." The Tigers' pitching depth could be a key factor as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, on the opposing side, the Kiwoom Heroes delivered a thrilling performance against the KIA Tigers, achieving a dramatic comeback victory after trailing by eight runs. The game, held on the same day at Gocheok Sky Dome, showcased the resilience of the Heroes, who managed to flip the script and secure an 11-10 win.
Choi Joo-hwan emerged as the hero of the match, hitting a crucial three-run double in the eighth inning that propelled his team to victory. Reflecting on his performance, Choi said, "I focused all my energy on the at-bat that led to the game-winning hit. I approached this game with the same intensity as if it were the Korean Series." His determination was evident as he played a pivotal role in the Heroes' comeback.
The Heroes were initially in a tough spot, down 3-10, but Lim Byung-wook's timely hit and Kim Tae-jin's grand slam helped close the gap significantly. Choi's decisive hit came against KIA's closer Jung Hae-young, against whom he has had considerable success in the past, boasting a .545 batting average, two home runs, and nine RBIs in his career against him. After the game, Choi expressed his anticipation for facing strong pitchers, saying, "I want to challenge myself against good pitchers like Cody Ponce of the Hanwha Eagles in our next game."
Despite this impressive victory, the Kiwoom Heroes remain at the bottom of the league standings, highlighting the challenges they face this season. However, the excitement of such a comeback victory may serve as a catalyst for improvement as they move forward.
As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to solidify their positions. The KIA Tigers aim to reclaim their status as contenders, while the Kiwoom Heroes will seek to build on their recent success and climb out of the league's cellar. With the competitive nature of the league, fans can expect thrilling matchups and dramatic moments as the season unfolds.
