Professional baseball player Park Byung-ho of the Samsung Lions, known as the 'national slugger,' has embarked on his quest for a seventh home run title.

On the 8th, Park hit his fifth home run of the season during a home game against the SSG Landers at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, moving into a tie for the lead with KIA Wisdom and LG Austin in this institutional sector.

That day, batting as the designated hitter in the seventh spot, Park faced SSG starter Song Young-jin with two outs and runners on first and second base with a 2-0 lead, ultimately striking out looking after a full count.

There were no two failures. Park, leading off in the fourth inning with a 2-1 lead, launched a massive hit. On the fourth pitch at a ball count of 2B-1S against Song Young-jin, he hit a fastball (143 km) over the right field fence. The distance was 110 meters.

The game commentator, renowned legend Jang Seong-ho, who has hit a total of 221 home runs, praised, "This is why Park Byung-ho is recognized as a top home run hitter in the league, as he can hit home runs like this."

He added, "Anyone can hit a home run by pulling the ball, but despite being late on timing, he pushed through with power to hit it over the right field fence. This is a home run that a home run king can display."

After the game, Park noted, "Honestly, I want to achieve a multi-hit and raise my batting average, but I feel regret for not being able to do so. Although it was just one hit, I had some good contact today. This home run didn't come from a pull; it was a home run that came from being pushed out."

He stated, "I regret not being able to capitalize on a good opportunity in my first at-bat in the first inning, but I’m glad that I was able to hit a home run in a tight situation, contributing at least a little to the team's victory."

Manager Park Jin-man commented on Park Byung-ho, saying, "Not only has his physical speed improved, but also his bat speed feels better than last year. Typically, speed decreases as one ages, but he has gotten better."

He continued, "Park Byung-ho has a very good training attitude. He comes out first to prepare at the ballpark. He knows very well what is necessary as a veteran,"

In response, Park Byung-ho mentioned, "I have been having more conversations with the manager than last year, and he supports me a lot. He speaks comfortably not only to me but also to other players and encourages us from the dugout. The way I can repay the manager is by preparing hard and achieving good results."

A solid starting rotation is one of Samsung's strengths. Manager Park Jin-man remarked that when the starting pitcher fulfills their role, it reduces the defensive time for the fielders and allows for increased focus at the plate.

Though it is still early in the season, Park Byung-ho, who is tied for the lead in the home run category, emphasized, "I want to hit much more than last year. While I have set numerical goals in my heart, the priority is to participate fully this season without injury."

While playing as the designated hitter, he said, "It definitely helps with endurance. I try to maintain a good rhythm by preparing in the indoor training room during games. Now, the issue of losing hitting rhythm by taking on the designated hitter role has diminished significantly."

He also noted, "I'm very grateful that Hanwha's new ballpark has prepared an indoor training space for visiting teams. I hope that when new stadiums are built in the future, indoor spaces for visiting teams will be included. That would be beneficial for everyone."

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