Kiwoom Song Sung-moon on ‘refereeing controversy’

Kiwoom Heroes’ Song Sung-moon (26) shared his thoughts on the controversial refereeing call on the 23rd.

Kiwoom won 7-6 in 10 extra innings against Lotte in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan at 5 p.m. on April 23.

Apart from the content of the game, there were many controversial calls. First, in the top of the fifth inning, Lotte manager Larry Sutton was ejected for protesting the strike zone. The umpires said, “Coach Sutton protested the strike zone, so we gave him the first warning. However, he protested again, so he was ejected,” the umpires explained.

In the top of the sixth inning, when the game resumed after the rain delay, veteran Kiwoom outfielder Lee Yong-kyu confronted the umpire over a strike zone call. The umpire eventually ejected Lee.

Both of these were incorrect strike calls on the screen. Of course, the strike zone is the umpire’s prerogative, so it’s understandable why Sutton and Lee were sent off. However, it’s unfortunate to see such a blatant error that dominated the game.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Kiwoom’s Song Sung-moon said, “Referees are human beings. When a call is made at a crucial 메이저토토사이트 moment, such as a strikeout, it can be upsetting. However, baseball players also make mistakes during the game, so it’s similar,” he said, adding, “I don’t get angry when such a call is made during the game, but rather ask the umpire.”

Song Sung-moon went 3-for-5 with four RBIs, including game-winning hits in the eighth and 10th innings. It took him six hours and nine minutes to emerge as a hero.

“I tried to keep my swing simple, and if I lost or drew, it wouldn’t have mattered, but I’m glad the team won,” Song said, adding, “It’s best to win comfortably.”

“I didn’t have a good record against Kim Won-joong, so I looked for pitches that were in the strike zone from the beginning, whether it was a fastball or a changeup,” Song explained. “I thought I would make an in-play hit, and the forkball came in high, so it worked out well.”