Choi Hyung-woo's absence was filled by Lee Chang-jin, a "luxury supporting actor." He performed on the third base with a big victory
Choi Hyung-woo's absence was filled by Lee Chang-jin, a "luxury supporting actor." He performed on the third base with a big victory
Blog Article
KIA Tigers outfielder Lee Chang-jin played a role of "luxury supporting actor" on the stage of the Korean Series for the first time in his life. He completely filled the absence of Choi Hyung-woo, the oldest member of the team, and contributed to his team's victory.메이저놀이터
KIA beat the Samsung Lions 9-2 in Game 4 of the 2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO Korean Series (KIA 2-1 in 7 games) at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 26th.
KIA avenged its 2-4 defeat in Game 3, which was held at the same place the previous day, with a big win. If it wins Game 5 at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on the 28th, it will be able to lift its 12th Korean Series trophy.
With Game 4 to play, Kia was not in a good mood. After Game 3 ended the previous day, Choi Hyung-woo, the team's No. 4 hitter, was absent from the starting lineup for Game 4 as he complained of back pain.
KIA manager Lee Bum-ho could not hide his sad expression, saying, "We have to check whether Choi Hyung-woo will be able to play as a pinch hitter in Game 4 or not."
Rather than being discouraged by the exclusion of Choi Hyung-woo's starting lineup, head coach Lee Bum-ho tried to find the next best option. After much consideration, he threw a winning move to start Lee Chang-jin as the seventh batter and left fielder in the absence of Choi Hyung-woo.
Na Sung-beom, who played as the fifth batter and right fielder in Game 1 to 3, made a change to Choi Won-joon, who played as the fourth designated hitter and center fielder, and Socrates Brito, who played in left field, moved to center field.
Coach Lee Bum-ho said, "Because Choi Hyung-woo was absent, we placed players who were strong against Samsung starter Won Tae-in in the top lineup in Game 4," adding, "After discussions with the hitting coach, we formed a lineup where we could score as much as possible."
In 103 games during the 2024 season, Lee had a batting average of 0.262 (50 hits in 191 at-bats), one homer, 18 RBIs, four steals, and an OPS of 0.731, serving as a "salt" for him as a backup. He was assigned to the team in every major game depending on the opponent team's starting pitcher's type and condition. Notably, he garnered an on-base percentage of 0.401 based on his outstanding batting eye, revitalizing Kia's offense.
Lee Chang-jin was weak with a batting average of 0.111 (two hits in 18 times at bat) in 12 games against Samsung this year, but he was strong against Won Tae-in, the starting pitcher of Samsung, who had a showdown on the day. He showed strong performance by posting six hits in 22 times at bat and a batting average of 0.273. Although Lee did not have a showdown this year, he showed off his "natural enemy" by posting two hits in three times at bat last year.
Lee continued his strength against Won Tae-in in the Korean Series. In the top of the second inning, he got on base with a heavy hit from his first at bat, reporting his first career hit in the Korean Series.
Lee Chang-jin showed off his unique pioneering plan with runners on the second and third bases with one out in the top of the third inning when KIA was leading 3-0. He drew a walk to Won Tae-in and connected the bases loaded with two outs. KIA was able to take the lead with Kim Tae-gun hitting a grand slam after the bases loaded with one out, which was held by Lee Chang-jin's walk on base.
Lee Chang-jin produced another hit to right-hander Lee Seung-hyun, who was replaced at the third batter's box in the top of the fifth inning, to post multiple hits. He showed better-than-expected performance by posting two hits, one walk and one run from four times at bat, and became a "luxury supporting actor" for KIA's victory.