Donisal has returned.

He is indeed a genius batter. Kia Tigers' Kim Do-young (22) announced his return by hitting a game-tying clutch hit in his first at-bat since coming back. He was registered on the first team before the game against the LG Twins at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on the 25th. It had been 34 days since he was sidelined with a hamstring injury in the second at-bat of the opening game against the NC Dinos on March 22.

Before the game, manager Lee Beom-ho noted, "I will wait for him as a pinch hitter. I will utilize him in important chances. I will observe him cautiously for 2 to 3 games. When he returns, he won't be able to hit explosively right away. The first 20 at-bats will be an adjustment phase. He should find his pace in about 3 to 4 games." However, the manager's expectations were off.

An important opportunity has just come. After being reversed 1-3, it was a golden chance with the bases loaded and no outs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Manager Lee Beom-ho substituted Kim Do-young for Choi Won-joon, who had just hit an early clutch hit in the previous at-bat. The crowd erupted in cheers. It was a Friday and news of Kim Do-young's return had sold out the stadium.

Kim Do-young swung the bat powerfully and showed his unique routine of stretching both legs back as he stepped into the batter's box. The atmosphere on the ground began to heat up. As soon as Kim Do-young stepped into the batter's box, he attacked the first pitch curveball from LG starter Son Joo-young. The bullet-like hit passed next to second base. The second baseman attempted a diving catch but was unsuccessful. Two runners crossed home, resulting in a 3-3 tie.

Kim Do-young ran toward first base, stretching his arms in celebration. He was immediately replaced by pinch runner Park Jae-hyun. The ground felt like a furnace amid the cheers of the crowd. The game-tying hit led to a big inning turnaround. With two outs and the bases loaded, Choi Hyung-woo hit a two-run double to left-center, turning the game around to 5-3. Kim Do-young's hit changed the momentum.

However, the team suffered a comeback loss. Starting pitcher Yang Hyun-jong allowed a tying run in the sixth inning. In the eighth inning, a critical run was allowed due to a misplay by Kim Sun-bin. The batting line also failed to target LG's strong bullpen. Nevertheless, fans who came to the Champions Field welcomed Donisal's return. There is growing hope that if he plays not just as a pinch hitter but as a full-time player, he can awaken the Kia lineup.

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