Kim Dong-hyeok (Lotte Giants) saved the Lotte Giants with a passionate super catch that disregarded the outfield wall during a crisis in the bottom of the 9th inning.

Kim Dong-hyeok started as the 8th right fielder in the 9th encounter of the season against the Doosan Bears at the Seoul Jamsil Stadium on the 8th, contributing to the team's 4-2 victory with 1 hit, 1 run batted in, 1 run scored, 1 walk, and 2 stolen bases in 3 at-bats, along with excellent defense.

With a 1-0 lead in the top of the 4th inning, with two outs and a man on second base, Kim Dong-hyeok faced Doosan starter Kwak Bin and hit an RBI double that went past the third baseman.

In the top of the 7th inning, leading 2-1, he appeared as the leadoff hitter and reached first base due to a fielding error by second baseman Yeo Dong-geon. He then successfully stole second base and scored after rounding third base on Jang Du-seong's single.

Kim Dong-hyeok led off in the top of the 9th with a 4-2 lead and drew a walk after a seven-pitch battle against Doosan's closer Kim Taek-yeon. He then reached third base after another steal and a groundout by Jang Du-seong, but pinch-hitter Park Seung-wook struck out, ending the inning.

After the game, Kim Dong-hyeok said, "In a situation where there are many injuries on the team recently, I prepared a lot to fill those gaps. I am glad that we could win the game like this and happy to contribute to the victory."

Kim Dong-hyeok once again showcased his presence with an incredible defensive play in the bottom of the 9th. With a 4-2 lead and no outs, Doosan's Kim In-tae hit a line drive toward the right-field wall, and Kim Dong-hyeok chased it down, extending his arm to make the catch. Although he collided hard with the fence due to his momentum, he quickly got up and continued his play without injury. After the game, Lotte's Director General Park Jun-hyeok praised Kim Dong-hyeok's defense as crucial.

Kim Dong-hyeok shared the secret to his super catch, saying, "I always thought the ball was coming to the outfield and was preparing for it. As soon as I hit the ball, my timing was right, and I think I was able to chase the ball in the shortest time possible. I was aware there was a fence behind me, but I didn't pay attention to it, and I think my focus led to a good result."

Kim Dong-hyeok is a 4th-year outfielder who graduated from Jeomilgopo-Kangneung Yeongdong University and was selected by Lotte in the second round of the 2022 rookie draft, 64th overall. After bouncing between the second team and backup roles, he was given an opportunity with the recent injuries of Hwang Seong-bin and Yoon Dong-hee, and he has been a significant asset to Lotte's outfield with his speed and determination.

Kim Dong-hyeok expressed his aspirations, saying, "I am happy to take this opportunity to thank my parents, who have always supported and taken care of me behind the scenes. This is just the beginning, and I want to become a better player to repay them."

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