I am always doing my best with the thought of wanting to return as soon as possible and help the team.
The ‘little giant’ Kim Ji-chan of the professional baseball team Samsung Lions has an absolute weight in the team's strength. The presence or absence of him shows a clear difference in the team's performance.
After Kim Ji-chan was sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Samsung used several players in the leadoff position but did not achieve the expected results. However, after his return, the Kim Ji-chan effect clearly appeared. Since the game against the Lotte Giants on the 18th, the team has been on a winning streak with 6 wins and 2 losses.
On the 27th, Kim Ji-chan led the team's 7-3 victory with a performance of 2 hits (including 1 double), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored in 5 at-bats during the home game against Lotte in Daegu. With this victory, Samsung achieved a 3-game winning streak following the game against the KIA Tigers on the 24th.
After the game, Kim Ji-chan said, 'I feel like I ran around energetically on the base for the first time in a while. I hope situations like this happen often, and I think I need to work hard.'
On this day, Samsung caught the opponent off guard by creating a big inning, including a triple steal in the second inning, against Lotte's foreign pitcher Alex Gamboa, who made his KBO League debut. Gamboa recorded 4⅔ innings, allowing 5 hits, 3 walks, 9 strikeouts, and 4 earned runs.
Regarding his first matchup with Gamboa, Kim Ji-chan said, 'I got the impression that he is a good pitcher. His fastball was good, and his breaking ball was okay. I will prepare well since I will see him again in the future.' He added, 'His pitching form is big, so the probability of stealing is high, but since he is a left-handed pitcher, he can also make a pickoff move. I think I need to time it well.'
Since returning to the first team, Kim Ji-chan has been contributing to the team by alternating between center fielder and designated hitter. Regarding his current physical condition, he said, 'I'm in perfect condition. The coach is very considerate. Whether it's in center field or as a designated hitter, I plan to do my best anytime.'
Kim Sung-yoon, who is leading the table-setting lineup with Kim Ji-chan this season, has recorded a batting average of .337 (58 hits in 172 at-bats), 2 home runs, 24 RBIs, 38 runs scored, 12 stolen bases, and an OPS of .899 in 52 games.
Manager Park Jin-man expressed satisfaction, saying, 'If they go on base and shake up the opposing defense, it becomes a great force for the whole team.'
Kim Ji-chan emphasized, 'If I get on base a lot as a leadoff hitter, (Kim) Sung-yoon can do a lot. Since there are good hitters behind me, if I get on base often, the scores will naturally follow.' He added, 'There are many good hitters, including Sung-yoon, (Gu) Ja-wook, and Diaz, so I need to do better.'
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