"He definitely has outstanding solving ability."
Manager Lee Beom-ho praised KIA Tigers' Kim Do-young (22) for his excellent ability as a problem-solver.
Since his return, he has recorded 5 hits and 6 RBIs in 13 at-bats over 4 games. He also hit 1 home run and 2 doubles. The 5 hits were akin to nuggets that either drove in runs or led to scoring opportunities. Leadoff hitter Park Chan-ho has also come alive, and Kim Sun-bin has created chances with his shower of hits, making the scoring equation active. The team has achieved 3 straight wins.
Prior to the match against the NC Dinos on the 30th at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, Manager Lee noted, "Creating chances is something anyone can do. Players that drive in runs with hits and home runs when chances arise are rare. Do-young is a hitter who steps up in crucial situations alongside Hyung-woo. He is invaluable in solving situations within the batting order."
He continued, "There are hitters in the table setter lineup, so we need players who can solve it. When chances arise, the probability of Do-young and Hyung-woo Wisdom making plays increases significantly. That way we can score and win. Do-young definitely has outstanding ability," he praised.
Kim Do-young started as the third baseman for the first time since his return. The lineup included Park Chan-ho (shortstop), Kim Sun-bin (second baseman), Kim Do-young (third baseman), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Wisdom (first baseman), Oh Seon-woo (left fielder), Lee Woo-sung (right fielder), Han Jun-soo (catcher), and Choi Won-jun (center fielder).
Byun Woo-hyuk, who had consistently played third base since Kim Do-young's injury, is waiting on the bench. Choi Hyung-woo, who was missing from the starting lineup the previous day, returned as the designated hitter at cleanup. Han Jun-soo was utilized as the catcher, and Oh Seon-woo, who has been in good hitting form, was placed in left field.
Manager Lee said, "It takes time to adjust for defensive players, so I delayed it. I said that defense wouldn’t be an issue yesterday or today. It’s very beneficial for the team for players to play at their positions. I’ll watch today’s game and check tomorrow. There are also players accumulating fatigue. I’ll keep track of everything while proceeding."
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