'Collision with the fence → Thud to the back of the head on the ground' NC Choi Jung-won taken away on a stretcher... "Returned to the locker room after stabilizing" — worst-case scenario averted [Incheon field report]

*This content was translated by AI.

The pleasant atmosphere, as victory seemed within reach, froze in an instant. This was because NC Dinos outfielder Choi Jung-won (26) collided heavily with the fence during defense and collapsed.

Choi Jung-won started the game as the ninth batter and center fielder in the visiting match against SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 5th. He was substituted after colliding with the fence while fielding Guillermo Heredia's hit during the bottom of the eighth with no outs and bases loaded, while his team was leading 5-2.

Although the starting pitcher did not complete four innings and the bullpen was brought in early, the team maintained a 5-2 lead, including a two-run home run by Park Geon-woo, and continued the game.

With only six outs needed for victory, Lim Ji-min had subdued the seventh-inning crisis but then allowed an infield hit to Jo Hyung-woo, a sacrifice fly to Park Sung-han, and a walk to Jung Jun-jae, putting the team in a bases-loaded, no-out crisis.

Next, Guillermo Heredia, who came to the plate, hit the ball deep into the gap between left and center field. Center fielder Choi Jung-won chased the ball quickly and threw his body into the play. If the ball had dropped, it could have even tied the game. That is likely why Choi Jung-won threw his body despite colliding with the fence, hitting his head. The problem arose afterward. As he fell, he struck the back of his head on the ground, and Choi Jung-won clutched his head in pain.

During this time, two runners crossed home plate. Left fielder Cheon Jae-hwan threw the ball to an infielder and then urgently gestured toward the dugout. Team staff headed to the outfield, checked Choi Jung-won's condition, and soon an ambulance was deployed to the field.

Fortunately, the worst-case scenario was avoided. NC Dinos stated, "Choi Jung-won sustained a contusion during the defensive play in the bottom of the eighth. He was stabilized in the ambulance and has returned to the locker room. He is scheduled for a hospital examination after a situation check."

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*This content was translated by AI.