“Fortunately, I survived.”

The “Gyeolja-haeji” of NC Dinos' starting catcher Kim Hyung-jun (26) saved everyone. Kim Hyung-jun started as the eighth catcher in the game against the Lotte Giants at Busan Sajik Stadium on the 13th, recording 1 hit (1 home run), 2 RBIs, 2 runs, and 1 walk in 3 at-bats, leading his team to a 9-6 come-from-behind victory.

Kim Hyung-jun could have easily become a traitor that day. After obtaining a walk in his first at-bat in the second inning, he struck out in both his subsequent at-bats. Then, he made a frightening error in the top of the 7th inning.

Leading 7-5 in the top of the 7th, Han Jae-seung, who came to the mound, allowed a single to Reyes, followed by a walk to Yoo Kang-nam, creating a crisis with runners on first and second with no outs. However, the changed pitcher Jeon Sa-min induced Kim Min-seong to hit into a double play, managing to clear the situation with two outs and a runner on third.

However, Kim Hyung-jun missed the opportunity to end the inning with a foul fly from the following at-bat by Jeon Jun-woo. By missing this ball, Jeon Jun-woo's at-bat continued, and in the end, the runner on third base crossed home plate on an infield single. The score became 7-6, and the deficit was reduced to one run.

Now an additional point was absolutely necessary. Coincidentally, Kim Hyung-jun came to bat at the bottom of the 7th. In the bottom of the 7th, Kim Hyung-jun stepped up to the plate with two outs and a runner on first. He boldly swung at the first pitch. He connected with a 130 km slider on the first pitch from Kim Sang-su of Lotte, hitting a two-run homer that cleared the left field fence. It was his fourth home run of the season, extending the lead to 9-6. He repaid the runs he had given up. The score did not change further, and NC avoided a series sweep loss and escaped an 8-game losing streak against Lotte.

After the game, Kim Hyung-jun said, “It was tough not being able to play a home game, but I’m glad we were able to win in the end. Also, I made an error before that, but fortunately, it led to a good result, so I survived,” he smiled awkwardly.

It was inevitable that he wouldn't feel at ease about the error situation. Regarding the error, he reflected, “There was a lot of wind. The ball came differently than I thought. I should have positioned myself here, but it didn't come,” adding, “I had hoped it wouldn't go through, but ultimately, it gave us a run.”

It could have been physically demanding at the plate. However, Kim Hyung-jun demonstrated his power by smoothly hitting the first pitch. He explained, “I wasn't aiming for a home run. Even if it wasn't a home run, I thought about continuing the opportunity and entered the plate with that mindset,” and added, “I was trying to hit quickly on strikes coming in during the early count, and that connected well, resulting in a good hit.”

NC has not been able to play home games due to a structural collapse accident that occurred last month. They continue to play away games as the emergency facility safety inspection procedure has not yet been completed.

Kim Hyung-jun noted, “It’s something we have to accept as it is inevitable. But we can’t just not play baseball, can we?” He continued, “Even if the environment we're given isn't good, I still try to concentrate on every play. All we can do is try our best. Still, I want to go to Changwon quickly,” expressing hope for a swift return to regular home games.

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