Seoul: The defending champions Kia Tigers narrowly defeated the Doosan Bears 4-1 in their Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) preseason game on Thursday, showcasing strong pitching and timely hitting as the regular season looms just nine days away.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Tigers broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the sixth inning at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Seoul, with a crucial fielder's choice grounder by Lee Woo-sung. Lee's quick sprint to first base foiled the Bears' attempt at an inning-ending double play, enabling the Tigers to take the lead. Byeon Woo-hyeok, entering as a pinch runner in the sixth, extended the Tigers' advantage with a two-out single in the seventh, driving in two more runs.

With this victory, the Tigers improved their preseason record to 2-2-1, while the Bears fell to 3-2-0. The exhibition games are scheduled to conclude next Tuesday, with the regular season commencing on March 22.

Both teams' starting pitchers had shorter outings as they prepare for the season. Adam Oller of the Tigers pitched four scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks, with 62 pitches thrown, 35 of which were strikes. Gwak Been of the Bears conceded one run over three innings, giving up four hits and two walks, and threw 57 pitches, 36 for strikes.

The Tigers initially took the lead in the third inning with Na Sung-bum's single, but the Bears equalized in the fifth with a solo home run by Park Jun-young. However, Lee Woo-sung's effort in the sixth and Byeon's subsequent hit secured the victory for the Tigers, with their final four relievers, including closer Jung Hai-young, each pitching a scoreless inning.

Tigers manager Lee Bum-ho commended his team for their comprehensive performance, expressing hope that this form continues into the regular season. He highlighted Oller's command of his offspeed pitches, while Oller himself expressed enjoyment of the game despite admitting to some command issues.

Na Sung-bum, the team captain, expressed eagerness for the regular season following his two-hit performance, and thanked Tigers fans for their enthusiastic support, noting their strong presence despite it being a weekday afternoon game. The turnout of 8,000 fans, predominantly Tigers supporters, created a regular-season atmosphere, aiding the team's preparation for Opening Day.