Kia Tigers' genius batter Kim Do-young (22) hit a game-tying two-RBI double in his first at-bat after returning from injury. He had a spectacular comeback announcement.
Kim Do-young registered on the first-team roster ahead of the game against the LG Twins at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on the 25th. It had been 34 days since he left the opening game against the NC Dinos on March 22 due to a hamstring injury sustained while running.
He was not included in the starting lineup. It was a judgment call not to push him since he was returning from a thigh injury. Before the game, manager Lee Beom-ho noted, "He will be on standby as a pinch hitter. I will use him in a crucial situation."
The opportunity came right away. In the bottom of the 4th inning, with no outs and the bases loaded while trailing 1-3, Kim Do-young was boldly substituted in as a pinch hitter for Choi Won-jun, who had made an RBI in the previous at-bat. At that moment, the spectators filling Champions Field erupted in cheers, welcoming the return of the genius batter.
He stepped into the batter's box, showing his unique routine of stretching his legs back. The cheers from the stands grew even louder. Stepping into the batter's box, Kim Do-young cleanly connected with the first curveball thrown by LG starter Son Joo-young, slicing a double through the side of the second base. He brought two runners home, tying the game at 3-3.
Kim Do-young clenched his fist and roared while the stands were in a frenzy. He was immediately replaced by pinch runner Park Jae-hyun and returned to the dugout. It was a spectacular return for the genius batter.
Kim Do-young's game-tying hit led to a big inning turnaround. In the following situation with two outs and the bases loaded, Choi Hyung-woo hit a two-RBI double to left-center, turning the game around to 5-3. The returning Kim Do-young changed the course of the game in an instant. This is why fans have been eagerly waiting for Kim Do-young.
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