'KBO 92 Home Runs → Released Twice' Kim Dong-yeop Hits Back-to-Back Home Runs in Two Consecutive Futures Games; Ulsan Ends Six-Game Road Trip with 5 Wins and 1 Loss

*This content was translated by AI.

The bat of outfielder Kim Dong-yeop (36, Ulsan Whales), known as the 'KBO League all-time 92 home run record holder' and who received release notices twice from Samsung Lions and Kiwoom Heroes, has finally warmed up. After hitting his first home run on the 19th, he powered back-to-back home runs over two consecutive games, leading his team's high-flying offense.

On the 20th, Ulsan Whales defeated Hanwha Eagles in the third game of the 2026 Futures Regular League at Seosan Hanwha Eagles Stadium, winning 7-5. With this victory, Ulsan concluded its six-game road trip with an overwhelming 5 wins and 1 loss, securing a foothold in the race for the league's top positions.

The decisive blow came once again from Kim Dong-yeop. Starting at the cleanup spot, Kim hit a solo home run over the left-field wall against a reliever from Hanwha in the bottom of the fifth inning, when Ulsan held a narrow 4-3 lead, shifting the momentum. This marked his second consecutive home run following a two-run homer on the previous day (19th). Kim finished the game with 2 hits in 5 at-bats, including 1 home run and 2 RBIs, fulfilling a perfect role as the team's key hitter.

Ulsan concentrated its offensive firepower from the start of the game. In the top of the first inning, they scored the first run following a walk by Kim Seo-won and a base hit by Park Min-seok. In the top of the second, they unleashed three consecutive hits to add three more runs, taking early control. In the eighth inning, they extended their lead to 7-3 with additional runs generated by consecutive walks from Shin Ji-hoo and Park Min-seok. Although they allowed two runs in the bottom of the ninth, they held firm and prevented any comeback.

On the mound, starter Park Seong-woong delivered a standout performance. He threw 89 pitches over 5 innings, allowing 6 hits and 7 strikeouts while giving up 3 earned runs, earning the win. Relievers Jin Hyun-woo (1 1/3 innings, scoreless) and veteran Ko Hyo-jun (1 2/3 innings, scoreless) then completely shut down the opposing lineup, recording holds. Closer Kim Do-gyu, who entered in the ninth inning, briefly wavered after allowing two runs but finished the game without further damage, securing the victory. Notably, Ko Hyo-jun continued his record as the oldest player to record a hold.

Ulsan Whales, who swept the three-game series in Seosan and allowed only one loss during their six-game road trip, continued their upward momentum through a perfect harmony between pitching and hitting. In particular, the recovery of Kim Dong-yeop's power-hitting ability, signaled by his recent home runs, is expected to be a major asset for the team's operations in the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, after completing their road trip, Ulsan Whales returned home for rest and will begin a three-game home series against KIA Tigers starting on the 25th.

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*This content was translated by AI.