He was a hero.

Kim Young-woong of the Samsung Lions started as the eighth batter and shortstop in a home game against the Lotte Giants at an exhibition game of the 2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League held at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on Tuesday local time. He had one hit one homer and three RBIs from three times at bat. He finished the game with a three-run homer, leading his team to a come-from-behind victory by 3-2. Samsung has thus escaped its three-game losing streak by banking on Kim Young-woong’s single.

Kim Young-woong faced his first at bat as a lead-off hitter in the bottom of the third inning. He swung and missed after a full count match with opponent starter Na Kyun-an. He was struck out by a forkball for the seventh time.

He completely avenged his defamation in the bottom of the fifth inning. Samsung, which was trailing 0-2, had a chance to garner the first and second base with no outs thanks to Oh Jae-il’s hit to the right and Kim Dong-jin’s walk. The next batter was Kim Young-woong. Kim hit a 143 km fastball on Na’s third pitch. He hit a come-from-behind three-run homer with a flying distance of 120 meters, which flew well over the right fence. Samsung instantly turned the score around 3-2. He maintained a one-run lead to complete a come-from-behind victory.

After the game, Kim looked back on the situation of his home run. “At my first at-bat, I had a fastball on the in-course. I thought I hit it well, but it was a foul,” Kim said. “After hitting that ball, I caught the timing. At my second at-bat, I threw another fastball on the same course, so I hit it without being late.”

“Actually, I was going to hit a breaking ball. When I hit a first pitch fork ball, it turned into a foul that flew backward, and I tried to hit more aggressively. I think it’s definitely better to be aggressive until I hit two strikes,” he added.

He has produced hits in three consecutive games, following the game against the LG Twins on March 12 and the game against the Lotte Giants on March 14. Notably, he hit his first double and first home run in an exhibition game on March 14, boosting his slugging capability. “It is fortunate that I hit at least one home run before the opening of the regular season March 23. It seems that I have gained a little more confidence. I think my batting balance is getting better as well,” Kim said.

Soon, he humbled himself. “So far, I’m sorry for the loss. I’m not good enough, but I’m trying to make it little by little,” Kim said.

Kim Young-woong won the MVP in the batter category at this year’s spring camp. “Kim Young-woong has improved his overall skills. In particular, he shows stability in terms of defense. He has a good attitude in playing games, such as batting skills and ability to cope with games,” Samsung coach Park Jin-man said.

Park continues to use Kim as the starting shortstop in exhibition games as well as in camp practice games. “Thank you very much. I’m trying to do my best as much as I’m thankful,” he said. “I hope it leads to results. I always try my best.”

After the match against Lotte on the day, Park said, “Overall, I think I’m getting a little bit more hit. Kim Young-woong is doing a good job.” 토토사이트