Professional baseball player Austin Dean of the LG Twins hit home runs in four consecutive games, leading the team to victory. Austin, who was the first RBI king in LG franchise history last year, raises hopes of becoming the first home run king this year.
Austin started as the third baseman on the 25th against the SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field.
He struck out swinging against opposing starter Jeon Yeong-jun in the first inning. In the third inning, with two outs and runners on first and second base, he hit a misdirected infield single toward third base, creating a bases-loaded opportunity. He was safe at first base after sprinting hard. After stepping on the base, he slightly limped on his left leg. During the bases-loaded chance, Moon Bo-gyeong's flyout resulted in no score.
With a 1-0 lead in the fifth inning with two outs and a runner on first base, he drew a walk. Following that, with a walk by Moon Bo-gyeong, the bases were loaded, and Kim Hyun-soo hit a two-RBI timely hit. LG scored four runs in the fifth inning, gaining the momentum.
With a 4-0 lead in the seventh inning, Austin came up as the leadoff batter and hit a solo home run against the newly introduced pitcher Choi Hyun-seok. When a fastball (143 km) came in high and center, he unleashed a lightning-like swing that cleared the left-field fence. Following that, Moon Bo-gyeong also hit a solo home run, resulting in back-to-back home runs. LG extended its lead to 6-0.
On the 22nd, Austin hit a three-run home run in the third inning against the Lotte team. He hit home runs every day during the three-game series against SSG from the 23rd to the 25th. In the game on the 23rd, he hit a pivotal solo home run in the eighth inning. On the 24th, he hit a two-run home run to take the lead in the fifth inning. On the 25th, he hit a crucial solo home run.
Having hit home runs in four consecutive games, Austin recorded his 16th home run of the season. He is four home runs behind Samsung's Diaz (20 home runs), who hit two home runs in the game against KIA on the 25th.
Regarding his consecutive home runs, Austin said, "It's a nice record. But as I always say, the team's victory is more important than personal records. Fortunately, many players are injured more than usual, and I'm glad I can contribute to the team."
When asked about competing for first place in home runs, Austin noted, "Personally, that's not a very interesting title for me. It would be nice to be the home run king, but if the team doesn't win and I become the home run king, it doesn't have much meaning. I hope the team wins."
Austin had an impressive season last year with a batting average of .319, 32 home runs, 132 RBIs, and an OPS of .957. He set two records as the first in LG history. He won the RBI king title last year, being the first RBI king in LG history. Also, he was the first foreign player to achieve 30 home runs and 100 RBIs for LG. No LG player has ever been crowned home run king. Could Austin make history for LG again?
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