150 saves, Lotte's history-changing finish, his goals are all motivated for the fall

Jun 19, 2025

150 saves, Lotte's history-changing finish, his goals are all motivated for the fall
The game between Hanwha and Lotte at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 18th, and Kim Won-joong, with two outs and runners on first base, finishes the inning with Chae Eun-sung striking out three pitches in the top of the eighth inning. Busan = Reporter's book @sportschosun.com/2025.06.18/



"I've never been motivated but..."

If Lotte Giants' Kim Won-joong does this well, wouldn't fall baseball, which is the wish of Busan fans, become a reality this year.

Kim Won-joong left a new name in Lotte history again.




In the game against the Hanwha Eagles at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 19th, Kim Won-joong took the mound after two outs in the eighth inning with his team leading 6-3 and neatly blocked one ⅓ inning.

Ahead of this season, he signed a four-year FA contract worth 5.4 billion won, and his pace is incredibly good. He has a 1.65 ERA with 3 wins, 1 loss and 18 saves in 30 games. Park Young-hyun (KT), the leader of saves, will be chased by two. tied for second place with Kim Seo-hyun (Hanwha) of the KIA.

In addition, the save on the day was more meaningful. 150th save in his career. He started playing as Lotte's closing pitcher in the 2020 season and achieved 150 saves in five and a half seasons. It is the first record set by a Lotte player. His 150th save was the 11th in KBO history.




150 saves, Lotte's history-changing finish, his goals are all motivated for the fall
Lotte won the game between Hanwha and Lotte at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 18th with a 6-3 victory. Kim Won-joong, who achieved a career record of 150 saves, is receiving a bouquet of congratulations from head coach Kim Tae-hyung. Busan = Reporter's book @sportschosun.com/2025.06.18/
After the game, head coach Kim Tae-hyung celebrated Kim Won-joong's record, and his teammates shared their joy with a huge shower of water.

Regarding the record of 150 saves achieved only in Lotte, Kim Won-joong said, `It is a great honor that only one team is building records like this. I think that if we continue to walk silently in the future, better records will follow naturally. I'll take care of myself and do better" expressed his feelings.

Now, Kim Won-joong is the representative finish of the KBO League, which is recognized by everyone. He will be on par with the previous top 10 finishers. In response, Kim Won-joong said, `It is an honor in itself to be mentioned with great seniors. I will prepare well so that I can follow the seniors and go a little higher."




150 saves, Lotte's history-changing finish, his goals are all motivated for the fall
Lotte won the game between Hanwha and Lotte at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 18th with a 6-3 victory. Kim Won-joong, who has achieved 150 saves in his career, is being handed a commemorative ball to Ko Seung-min. Busan = Reporter's book @sportschosun.com/2025.06.18/
Lotte's last fall baseball season was 2017. The season when Kim Won-joong celebrated his third year in the first division. I was a starter at that time. Lotte fans have not seen autumn baseball for the next seven years, but their desire to advance to the postseason this year is great. This is because Lotte is doing well. He remains firmly in third place. He is recovering after dying like a zombie in the main players' line injuries.

In response, Kim Won-joong said, `There is not a season in which there has always been no desire for fall baseball. But it's also true that this year is a little more motivating. So many people waited so long. We are also preparing hard to achieve that goal."





This article was translated by Naver AI translator.