Kiwoom Heroes outfielder Yasiel Puig (35) introduced an episode with Lee Jung-hoo (27) of the San Francisco Giants, who played with him in Kiwoom in 2022.
On the 4th, Puig made his start as the number one left fielder in the game against the NC Dinos held at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, achieving 2 hits, 1 home run, 4 RBIs, and 1 run in 4 at-bats.
Leading off in the bottom of the 1st inning, Puig hit a double and subsequently made two outs in his next two at-bats. However, in the 7th inning with one out and the bases loaded, leading 1-0, he hit a grand slam over the right-center field fence off a 145 km/h fastball from Kim Jin-ho. The home run traveled 120 meters. Thanks to Puig's grand slam, Kiwoom won 5-1, breaking their three-game losing streak.
In a post-game interview, Puig said, "I stepped up to the plate thinking not to get greedy in a bases-loaded situation but to make an in-play ball, and I'm happy that it resulted in a home run. My batting pace hasn't been good lately, but I'm most satisfied with my good swing today. The advice from hitting coach Oh Yoon was effective. I prepared for the fastball as advised, which led to a good hit."
Taking on the lead-off role this season, Puig has a batting average of .311 (14 hits in 45 at-bats), 3 home runs, 10 RBIs, and 12 runs with an OPS of .948 over 11 games. He stated, "As the lead-off hitter, there isn't much time to observe the pitcher early in the game. Other batters can see the pitcher’s pitches from the on-deck circle, but the number one hitter has to step up right away. I don't have much experience in the number one spot, but I think my role is to get on base, and I do my best. With good hitters behind me like (Ruben) Cardena and Song Seong-mun, I focus on getting on base trusting them."
Puig, who led Kiwoom to the Korean Series runner-up in 2022, maintains a close friendship with players he played with in Kiwoom. Lee Jung-hoo, who debuted in Major League Baseball last year, is no exception. Puig, who still keeps in touch with Lee, said, "We talk about baseball and personal matters. The San Francisco Giants' opening game was an away game against the Cincinnati Reds, and he even asked how the weather was in Cincinnati."
Lee gained attention for a moment in spring training when he tripped while trying to throw the ball to a teammate after getting the final out of the inning. Lee, seeming embarrassed, smiled and got up as if nothing happened, threw the ball, and ran away. Puig also saw that moment. He laughed and said, "When I contacted him recently, we joked about him tripping while trying to make a throw during spring training."
"I have a grateful heart for the fans who always come to the stadium to cheer for us," Puig said. "I will continue to do my best to play, and I want to create more victories with the fans. In the past two years, we stayed in 10th place, but this year is different. I will definitely play fall baseball with the fans."
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