Kiwoom Heroes player Lim Ji-yeol (30) reflected on the bench-clearing incident with Hanwha Eagles ace Cody Ponce (31), calling it a mere episode.

On the 24th, Lim started as the left fielder in the '2025 Shinhan Bank SOL Bank KBO League' game against the KIA Tigers at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, where he went 4-for-4 with 3 hits, 1 home run, 4 RBIs, and 1 run scored. Lim became the star of the game with a decisive 3-run home run in the bottom of the 6th, as the score was tied 3-3.

This season, Lim has recorded a batting average of .290 with 29 hits out of 100 at-bats, 4 home runs, 12 RBIs, 10 runs scored, and 3 stolen bases over 35 games, with an OPS of .787. Although he experienced some ups and downs in the early part of the season, Lim has been gaining consistent starting opportunities as his batting performance improves. In a post-game interview, Lim said, “I started a bit late this year,” and added, “Still, I feel comfortable because good results have come out from the beginning.”

Lim emphasized, “But in reality, baseball is about having good and bad days regularly.” He noted, “There are days when I go 0-for-4 and games like today when I get 3 hits. Maintaining calmness is most difficult. Still, it is something I must do. I believe that if I can keep my mental calm, good results will come.” He expressed his determination to perform well for the remainder of the season.

Kiwoom has recorded 22 wins, 2 draws, and 53 losses this season, with a winning percentage of .293. They are trying hard to turn the tide, but it is not easy to raise their winning percentage. Lim said, “We really want to win, but it’s not easy. Although it’s tough, our players must accomplish it. If we encourage each other and keep at it year after year, I believe we will become a better team.”

Lim was at the center of attention on the 22nd during the game against Hanwha. In the top of the 3rd inning, when Kiwoom was down 0-3 with 2 outs and a runner on 1st base, a psychological battle occurred between starting pitcher Ponce and batter Lim regarding the timing of the pitch, which ultimately led to a bench-clearing incident. Fortunately, it did not escalate into a major fight, and the situation was resolved.

Lim stated, “I think such an episode happened because both Ponce and I were passionate at the baseball field.” He added, “I don’t have any ill feelings toward Ponce; it was a momentary incident. It can just be considered a kind of episode. We talked when the game was canceled due to rain. There was nothing particularly to be upset about. I think there was a misunderstanding between us. I believe we will greet each other warmly and get along well when we meet again.”

Ponce has established himself as the undisputed ace of the KBO League this season. He has achieved 10 wins with a 2.04 ERA over 16 games (101⅔ innings). Lim commented, “Ponce is really a great pitcher. Just looking at the results, he is indeed impressive.” He added, “I truly respect him. Since I need to win in the game as well, that was the reason behind it. I respect the performance he shows on the mound. He is a really great pitcher who throws excellent pitches.” When asked if he received many messages from fans on Instagram, Lim laughed and said, “I don’t have Instagram yet.”

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