On July 8, 2025, at the iconic Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium, Lotte Giants’ left-handed pitcher Hong Min-ki delivered a performance that has fans buzzing and critics taking notice. In a pivotal 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League matchup against the Doosan Bears, Hong showcased his burgeoning talent by pitching five innings of solid baseball, striking out seven batters, allowing just three hits, and conceding a single earned run. This outing marked a significant milestone for Hong, as he secured the requirements for his first career win since his debut six years ago, a testament to his perseverance and steady development within the Giants’ roster.
Hong Min-ki, often referred to as the “fireballer” for his blazing fastball, clocked his top pitch at a scorching 153 km/h during the game. He relied primarily on two pitches: a fastball and a sharp slider, which he wielded with impressive control, evidenced by his flawless command that yielded zero walks and a strike percentage of 76.2%. Over the course of 63 pitches, Hong maintained his composure and precision, delivering a masterclass in pitching efficiency.
The game began with Hong setting the tone immediately. In the first inning, he retired the side in order, including a three-pitch strikeout that underscored his dominance early on. However, the second inning presented a brief challenge. With two outs and a runner on first, Doosan’s Oh Myung-jin cracked a clutch triple to center field, plating the game’s first and only run against Hong. Despite this setback, Hong quickly regained his footing, retiring the next batter, Kang Seung-ho, on a groundball to third base, effectively preventing any further damage.
Hong’s resilience shone through the middle innings. The third inning saw him dispatch three batters in succession without allowing a hit or run, while the fourth inning tested his mettle. After surrendering a lead-off single to Jake Cave, Hong induced a groundball from the formidable Yang Eui-ji and then struck out Kim Jae-hwan and Park Jun-soon consecutively, escaping a potential scoring threat with aplomb.
Then came the highlight of his outing: the fifth inning. Hong struck out three consecutive batters—Oh Myung-jin, Kang Seung-ho, and Choo Jae-hyun—showcasing a dazzling five-batter strikeout streak spanning the fourth and fifth innings. His command and velocity did not waver, proving the confidence placed in him by Lotte Giants’ manager Kim Tae-hyung was well-founded. The manager had openly stated prior to the game that Hong would be replaced if his velocity dropped, but Hong’s performance negated any such concerns.
While Hong was working his magic on the mound, the Lotte offense remained quiet until the bottom of the fifth inning, when they erupted spectacularly. Han Tae-yang and Park Chan-hyung delivered clutch hits—a two-run double and a three-run triple respectively—that flipped the scoreboard, putting Lotte ahead 2-1. Victor Reyes then sealed the rally with a two-run homer, extending the lead to 4-1. This offensive surge not only energized the home crowd but also allowed Hong to exit the game after five innings with his team firmly in front.
Hong was relieved by left-handed pitcher Jeong Hyun-soo at the start of the sixth inning, having thrown 63 pitches and leaving with the satisfaction of having fulfilled the criteria for a winning pitcher. The bullpen faced its own challenges, with Doosan managing to score a run against Jeong Hyun-soo and Kim Kang-hyun, narrowing the gap to 4-2. Nevertheless, Hong’s foundational work kept the Giants in a commanding position.
Hong Min-ki’s journey to this point has been one of steady growth and determination. Drafted in the 2020 rookie draft as the second round, fourth overall pick, he made his professional debut in 2021 but had yet to notch a win in the top league until this outing. Prior to this game, Hong had appeared in only four first-team games, mostly in relief roles. His emergence as a reliable starting pitcher this season is a promising sign for the Giants, who have benefited from his fastball-slider combo and improved command.
His previous start on June 18, 2025, against the Hanwha Eagles saw him pitch four innings, striking out four and allowing one run, exceeding expectations for a young pitcher still finding his footing. Additionally, Hong demonstrated his versatility and stamina by pitching in relief against the KIA Tigers on July 6, where he impressively recorded two outs on just three pitches, showing his readiness to contribute whenever called upon.
Despite Hong’s stellar performance on July 8, the final outcome of the game took a disappointing turn for Lotte. After Hong’s exit, the bullpen faltered in the later innings. In the eighth inning, with Lotte leading 5-3, relief pitcher Kim Jin-wook gave up a two-run homer to tie the game, effectively nullifying Hong’s chance at his first official win, which would have also counted as a hold. The Bears capitalized on this momentum, eventually overtaking the Giants to win 8-5, leaving Hong’s valiant effort overshadowed by the bullpen’s struggles.
Still, the game marked a significant milestone for Hong and the Lotte Giants. Manager Kim Tae-hyung’s decision to start Hong paid dividends for five innings, as the young left-hander delivered his best pitching performance to date, validating the trust placed in him. Kim remarked before the game, “If his fastball velocity drops, we will replace him immediately,” but Hong’s command and velocity held strong throughout his outing.
Hong’s performance also highlighted the potential impact of the Giants’ pitching staff as they look to solidify their standing in the KBO League. His ability to strike out batters in key moments, maintain control without issuing walks, and handle pressure situations bodes well for his future role as a starter. The Giants will be hoping that Hong can build on this momentum and translate his individual success into more consistent team victories.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Hong Min-ki to see if he can finally break through and record that elusive first win officially. His journey, marked by perseverance and flashes of brilliance, embodies the spirit of professional baseball – where talent meets opportunity and determination fuels success. For now, Hong’s five-inning gem against Doosan stands as a beacon of promise for the Lotte Giants and their fans.
