Ryu Ji-hyuk, who has become 'Wow' slimmer, also has 3 hits → 2nd place in the league batting average! 2.6 billion won is Hyeja contract, "Thanks to the coach's direction, (Choi) Hyungwoo."

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung Lions infielder Ryu Ji-hyuk (32) is simply conquering the KBO league with his sleek appearance and fierce hitting sense even with the naked eye this season. After his second three-hit game of the season on the 8th, Ryu Ji-hyuk gave a humble impression by giving credit to Choi Hyung-woo (43), who is close to the coaching staff.

Ryu Ji-hyuk started as the second batter and second baseman in the first showdown of the away game of the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League" season against the KIA Tigers at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field on the 7th and played 100% of the role of a table setter with three hits (one home run) and one walk and two RBIs in four at-bats.

Ryu Ji-hyuk, who achieved his second three-hit game of the season after the Suwon KT Wiz match on the 4th, hit .448 in the season, pushing SSG Landers infielder Ko Myung-joon (24) to rank second overall in the league. The highest batting average in the league is SSG Landers Park Sung-han (28). Park Sung-han is showing a high-sensitivity to hit 0.515 in the season.

Ryu Ji-hyuk, who finished the game on the 7th, responded rather calmly to the enormous hitting sense in a meeting with reporters. On the same day, he explained, "I didn't know it would go over, and I think a good hit came out because I just tried to hit the ball."

As for the cause of the explosive batting pace from Suwon's away game, he said, "There is no special secret," adding, "It is very helpful to talk to coaches a lot and to prepare well for every game every day."

Ryu Ji-hyuk's biggest change this season is the improvement of his slugging power. "I prepared a lot to hit a lot of doubles," he said, adding that he also visited the lesson hall to continue learning.

In particular, he did not forget to thank the team's helpers. Ryu Ji-hyuk said, "Hitting coach Takayuki Murakami and coach Park Han-yi are good at setting directions," suggesting that the coaching staff's clear guidelines are leading to the current performance.

Communication with Choi Hyung-woo, a "grand senior" who has been associated since he was a member of KIA, is also a big asset. Ryu Ji-hyuk, who left for Guam early with Choi Hyung-woo and Kang Min-ho to prepare for this season, said, "In particular, if you ask Choi Hyung-woo how to hit or prepare for the season, he teaches you a lot. As a legend of the team, its existence itself is a great boost," he said.

Ryu Ji-hyuk, who has recently been praised as a "2.6 billion Hye-ja contract" among Samsung fans, showed a stronger mentality, saying, "I don't mind much now," even though he was worried about no hits against KT on the 5th of the previous game. As a key infielder of the team, his eyes were already on the next game, playing hard on both sides of offense and defense.

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*This content was translated by AI.