Ground rule double!
As he approaches his return, KIA Tigers genius hitter Kim Do-young (22) showcased his unique power during his first exhibition match. On the 23rd, he participated in the second game of a doubleheader against the Samsung Lions at Hwasun Kia Challenger's Field, marking his first game since his injury. It has been 31 days since he last played in the opening game against the NC Dinos on March 22, when he suffered a hamstring injury.
Jin Gap-yong, the second team manager, had included him in the starting lineup for the first game of the doubleheader but canceled just before and changed it to the second game. Due to rain that fell overnight, the ground at the first stadium was wet, prompting the move to the second stadium, although there was still moisture. He explained, "We need to ensure that he doesn't get injured and makes it safely to the first team. There’s some moisture left on the ground. We need to be cautious in case of injuries."
He was named in the starting lineup as the third batter and third baseman. Before the second game, he went out to the field alone to warm up with some light jogging. Then, he stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the first inning with one out and runners on first and second, trailing 0-2. He attacked the second pitch fastball from Samsung's starting pitcher Choi Chung-yeon but was not in sync. He made weak contact and popped out to the first baseman.
In his second at-bat, he faced Samsung's veteran pitcher Song Eun-beom in the bottom of the third inning with two outs and runners on first and second, trailing 0-2. He wisely laid off the first pitch, a ball outside, and when the second pitch came in as a change-up, he delivered a powerful swing. It was an ideal swing that drove the ball sharply. The ball flew at high speed and turned into a double to right-center field. It was a clutch double that brought the runner on first home. Although it was a hit that could have reached third base, the bench seemed concerned about injury and called out, "Run slowly," causing him to stop at second base.
The hundreds of fans who gathered to watch Kim Do-young's first exhibition match cheered and applauded. He was replaced by Kang Min-jae from the fourth inning and finished the game. Although no balls were hit towards third base, his footwork was light, and he skillfully caught a bad throw from the catcher on a bouncing ball during the top of the first inning when a Samsung batter was attempting to reach third. His performance in hitting, base running, and defense was all impressive.
After completing his exhibition match, Kim Do-young plans to engage in live batting at Hwasun on the 24th since there are no second team games. After finishing the live batting, he will wait for a call-up to the first team. He is expected to return to the first team roster starting with the game against the leading LG Twins in Gwangju on the 25th. Manager Lee Beom-ho said, "We need to manage him. He will wait as a pinch hitter rather than a starter."
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