On the 1st, Lee Jeong-hoon (outfielder), who left the Lotte Giants to become a new member of the KT Wiz through a 1:1 trade, hit a home run after 703 days, leading the team to victory.

Lee Jeong-hoon transferred teams on the 2nd via a 1:1 trade with left-handed pitcher Park Se-jin. The trade was made after KT requested Lee Jeong-hoon first, needing to strengthen their lineup due to the consecutive injuries of key hitters like Kang Baek-ho and Hwang Jae-kyun.

After graduating from Whimoon High School and Kyunghee University, Lee Jeong-hoon, a right-handed pitcher and left-handed batter, was drafted by the Kia Tigers in the 10th round, 94th overall, in 2017. Released by Kia after the 2022 season, he showcased his batting skills with Lotte. He played first baseman and left fielder rather than catcher to reduce defensive burdens and focus more on offense.

Manager Lee Kang-chul noted about Lee Jeong-hoon, “He was a good hitter even when he was with Lotte. It was uncomfortable when Lee Jeong-hoon came out as a pinch hitter against Lotte. We acquired him not as a pinch hitter, but to use him as a starter.”

On the 14th, Lee Jeong-hoon took on the 4th batting spot for the first time since his transfer in the game against the Daegu Samsung Lions. Manager Lee Kang-chul explained, “He was strong against Samsung's starting pitcher, Huh Ra-do.” He held an advantage with a career record of 3 hits in 6 at-bats against him.

He struck out swinging in his first at-bat in the first inning, but there were no more failures. Leading 2-0 in the third inning with one out and one runner on first, Lee Jeong-hoon targeted a changeup on the fourth pitch from Samsung's starting pitcher Huh Ra-do, sending it over the right field fence. It was his first home run in 703 days since the game against the NC Dinos on July 12, 2023, when he was with Lotte.

KT completed a big inning with 4 runs from home runs by Kim Sang-su and Lee Jeong-hoon in the third inning, hitting a total of 14 hits and scoring 10 runs. KT achieved a significant victory by 7 points against Samsung.

Starter William Cuevas pitched well, throwing 7 innings with 4 hits, 2 walks, and 8 strikeouts without allowing a run. It was his third win of the season. He reached a maximum speed of 151 km/h, effectively using various pitches including two-seam fastballs, cut fastballs, changeups, and sweepers.

Lee Jeong-hoon expressed gratitude, saying, “I feel good hitting a home run that expands the score after we took the first lead. Today, I felt a lot of fans came out as the away magician. It was a great help.”

Lee Jeong-hoon conveyed his gratitude to Lee Ho-yeon (infielder), who tied the record for most hits in a single game. He said, “Being on the same team as my close friend Lee Ho-yeon since my time at Lotte gives me a lot of strength. Although he’s younger, I ask him a lot and learn. The synergy is great, and being together makes me feel at ease.”

Meanwhile, Manager Lee Kang-chul said after the game, “In important situations, Cuevas pitched like the old Cuevas for the first time in a long while. I hope he continues to pitch well.”

He added, “The lineup was able to gain momentum with the 2-run home run by Kim Sang-su and Lee Jeong-hoon in the third inning. In the fifth inning, the batters showed focus, creating a big inning and solidifying the victory.”

[OSEN]