"(Kim) Hwi-jip thinks that good hits might come out as early as today."

NC Dinos' Kim Hwi-jip has finally signaled his escape from the slump. On the 21st, Kim Hwi-jip started as the 9th first baseman in the match against Hanwha Eagles at Ulsan Munsu Stadium, recording 2 hits out of 3 at-bats, 1 run batted in, and 1 walk, leading the team to a 5-2 victory.

It was a long-awaited hit for Kim Hwi-jip. In the 5th inning, tied 2-2, he hit a single to right center with no outs and a runner. He crossed home plate on Kim Joo-won's timely hit, recording the go-ahead run. This hit was his first in 10 games since the match against Doosan on May 10.

Then, in the 8th inning, with the score at 4-2, he delivered a decisive timely hit, extending the lead to 5-2, completing a multi-hit game. It was the first multi-hit game for Kim Hwi-jip in 18 days since the match against Lotte on May 3.

After finishing a three-game series last weekend, Kim Hwi-jip returned to Changwon, practicing alone, and before that day's game, he also hit over 300 balls with Manager Lee Ho-jun, focusing on regaining his batting feel.

He noted, "I think I hit almost 300 balls with the manager today before the game, and honestly, I don't feel relieved yet. But I think it's a relief."

He is trying various methods. He is in a situation where he is shaken enough to change his belief. He said, "In fact, I absolutely consider changing my batting form during the season to be taboo. Doing the same thing increases the probability. But when it doesn't work, I feel foolish for doing the same thing, so I've made some changes." He expressed gratitude, saying, "The manager and coaches have been under a lot of stress because of me. I'm very grateful for their concern."

Everyone is praying that Kim Hwi-jip can escape the slump. He mentioned that he talked with Park Gun-woo for 10 minutes before the game, saying, "Hyung (older brother) Gun-woo said really good things before the game. I'm really thankful because all the hyungs and staff have also given me good words."

In fact, the most confusing aspect is defense. The defensive struggles affected his hitting as well. Kim Hwi-jip commented, "Making mistakes in defense is significant. I don't mind not hitting, but I think defense has a big impact. That was frustrating."

He reflected, "If the defense is comfortable, it’s easier at the plate. I can come out to the ballpark feeling good. But if the defense is shaky, I try to make up for it with my bat, which leads to lack of focus. Thinking about hitting during defense and defense during hitting describes my current situation."

The reason for conducting individual batting practice in Changwon is also because "for the moment I hit, distracting thoughts disappear." Although he adjusts his training volume during the season, he is not doing so now. He said, "If I sit still, I become lethargic, and that time is painful. I think doing more exercise during the season doesn’t help, but right now, even if it increases the risk of injury, clearing my head is the priority. So I'm doing a lot of exercise."

He hopes that everything will return to normal with this day as a turning point. He stated, "I hope that with today as a turning point, both my hitting and defense improve together."

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