(Oh) Ji-hwan and (Moon) Seong-joo need to recover...

LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said ahead of the weekend three-game series against the Samsung Lions that he hopes Oh Ji-hwan and Moon Seong-joo will regain their hitting form as soon as possible.

Oh Ji-hwan was silent with no hits in nine at-bats during the weekday three-game series against Doosan Bears. Moon Seong-joo has been limited to a batting average of .111 over the last 10 games. Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop noted, "Both the players and the hitting coaches are working hard, so things will improve," adding, "We need to see good results first."

Moreover, with foreign hitter Austin Dean returning early due to dizziness, the recovery of Oh Ji-hwan and Moon Seong-joo became even more urgent.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said, "Austin was still feeling dizzy during batting practice yesterday and moved to Seoul for a detailed examination after the game was canceled due to rain," adding, "The examination results showed no issues. So I advised him to rest until Sunday since he was already in Seoul."

He further disclosed, "From a managerial perspective, the difference with and without Austin is significant. I made this decision with a long-term view." Choosing the forest over the trees.

On the 10th, LG swept the doubleheader against Samsung. The recovery of Oh Ji-hwan and Moon Seong-joo was another gain. Moon Seong-joo recorded his first four hits of the season in the first game of the doubleheader.

Moon Seong-joo said, "I think I have been struggling too much until now. I just had one good game. It seems important to maintain consistency moving forward. There is still a lot I need to improve on, but I'm relieved to feel like I'm slowly finding my rhythm."

Oh Ji-hwan hit a solo home run in the second game to signal the end of his slump. He faced Samsung starter Denny Reyes with no runners and one out in the second inning. In a disadvantageous count of 0B-2S, he pulled the fourth pitch, a changeup (131km), over the right field fence. This achievement marked his 1,700th career hit in the KBO.

After sweeping the doubleheader against Samsung, LG secured a winning series and reignited their quest to return to the top of the standings. Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop expressed satisfaction, stating, "Overall, the hitters began to wake up a bit during opportunities, allowing us to navigate the game well."

While the Hanwha Eagles are on a 11-game winning streak and in great form, for LG, regaining their own pace is a priority. They secured two wins without Austin, and with the recovery signs from Oh Ji-hwan and Moon Seong-joo, it seems they only have to climb back up from here.

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