Lotte Giants Extend Winning Streak With Classic KBO Victory

On June 20, 2025, the Lotte Giants continued their impressive run in the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League by defeating the Samsung Lions 3-1 at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan. This victory marked their third consecutive win, further tightening the race at the top of the standings as they closed the gap to the first-place Hanwha Eagles to just two games.

The game was notable for being the only one played nationwide that day, as intermittent rain showers swept across the country, making conditions challenging for both teams. Despite the wet weather, the Lotte Giants showed resilience and focus, capitalizing on key moments to secure the win.

The early momentum was set in the bottom of the second inning when Jung Bo-geun delivered a clutch two-run double to left field, giving Lotte an early 2-0 lead. This hit came after Kim Min-sung opened the inning with a single, followed by Han Tae-yang drawing a walk, setting the stage for Jung’s pivotal hit.

Lotte’s starting pitcher, Alex Gamboa, was a standout performer on the mound. He pitched six solid innings, allowing just four hits—including one home run—while striking out eight batters and conceding only one earned run. Gamboa’s fastball touched a blazing 157 km/h, showcasing his power and control. This outing earned him his fourth win of the season and served as a perfect redemption after his challenging KBO League debut on May 27, 2025, against Samsung in Daegu, where he struggled and was tagged with the loss.

Samsung fought back in the seventh inning with Park Byung-ho launching his 13th home run of the season, a solo shot that cut Lotte’s lead to 2-1 and reignited hope for the visitors. However, Lotte quickly responded in the eighth inning when Jung Hoon blasted his second home run of the season, extending the lead back to 3-1 and putting the game out of reach.

In the ninth inning, Lotte’s closer Kim Won-jung took the mound to preserve the lead. Demonstrating exceptional poise and consistency, Kim secured the save, marking his 20th save of the season for the third consecutive year. This achievement places him as the 16th pitcher in KBO League history to record 20 or more saves in three straight seasons, underscoring his vital role in Lotte’s bullpen and their ongoing success.

With this victory, Lotte improved their season record to 40 wins, 31 losses, and 3 draws, maintaining their third-place position in the league standings. The Giants' ability to perform under pressure and in adverse weather conditions highlights their determination to challenge for the top spot as the season progresses.

The game also drew attention for the intense atmosphere created by dedicated Lotte fans who braved the rain to cheer their team on at Sajik Stadium, adding to the electric environment despite the damp conditions.

Looking ahead, Lotte will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign, while Samsung will seek to bounce back from this defeat and close the gap in the competitive KBO League standings.

Overall, the match was a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and resilience, with standout performances from both teams. Alex Gamboa’s redemption on the mound, Jung Bo-geun’s timely hitting, and Kim Won-jung’s historic save streak combined to make this a memorable classic match in the 2025 KBO season.