'Daegu's Son' Kiwoom's 'Designated Hitter' Yang Hyeon-jong Delivers Back-to-Back Home Run and Triple Play Despite Team's Losing Streak: "I Will Prepare So the Team Can Play Better Than Me!"

*This content was translated by AI.

In front of hometown fans, his bat erupted with fire, and he orchestrated a historic triple play on defense. Yang Hyeon-jong (20), a second-year infielder for Kiwoom Heroes, showcased his potential to the fullest on back-to-back days at the "land of promise," Daegu, emerging as a new hope for the team.

In fact, the Samsung Lions game held in Daegu on the 5th was a day Yang Hyeon-jong will never forget. As a Daegu native who nurtured his dreams since his high school days at Daegu High School, he activated his home run power in front of his family watching from the stands. According to Yang Hyeon-jong, his parents, grandfather, and aunt all came to the ballpark to watch his game.

On that day, Yang Hyeon-jong pulled Samsung's starting pitcher Jack O'Clock's 149 km/h fastball for a massive solo home run with a distance of 125 meters. This was his second consecutive home run, following his debut home run against Doosan on the 3rd. Although they lost 1-11, Kiwoom avoided a scoreless game thanks to Yang Hyeon-jong's home run. Yang Hyeon-jong shared his thoughts, saying, "It was a game where my parents, grandfather, and aunt all came, and I was so happy to hit a home run in front of them."

Yang Hyeon-jong's performance was not limited to his bat. On the following day, the 6th, he caused a "major incident" on defense. In the bottom of the 6th inning with the team trailing 1-2, no outs, and bases loaded, facing a crisis of massive runs, Yang Hyeon-jong's choice to field Jeon Byung-woo's sharp line drive was bold.

While the standard play to prevent runs is to throw home, Yang Hyeon-jong seemed to recognize the opportunity for a triple play in a split second. After stepping on third base like lightning to get the runner out, he immediately threw to second base, leading to a perfect double play involving An Chi-hong and Choi Ju-hwan. This was the first triple play of the season and the 87th in KBO history.

Yang Hyeon-jong, who struggled with a batting average of 0.083 in 12 games during the 2025 season, feeling the wall of professional baseball, has become a completely different player this season. Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin (53) said, "He was always known to have strength, and as his confidence has grown, his hitting has come alive. I have instructed him not to fear failure and to make bold swings without worrying about the dugout. Especially, it seems he has gained confidence through hard work while preparing for this season," expressing his trust.

In fact, he was known to fans simply as "Yang Hyeon-jong." This was because he shares the same name as KIA Tigers' "Ace Pitcher" Yang Hyeon-jong (38). Fans even gave the batter Yang Hyeon-jong the nickname "Designated Hitter." Now, he is gaining attention not just for his name but also for his skills.

However, despite Yang Hyeon-jong's brilliant performance, the team could not smile. Following a 1-11 blowout loss on the 5th, the team failed to maintain the momentum from the triple play on the 6th, resulting in a disappointing 1-2 loss. Yang Hyeon-jong himself swallowed deep regret after striking out in a run-scoring opportunity following the triple play.

Regarding the team's loss, Yang Hyeon-jong calmly shared his thoughts, saying, "Rather than my personal records, I will prepare well so the team can play a good game." Although the team fell into a losing streak, the "power hitter instinct" and "generous defense" shown in hometown Daegu were the biggest harvest that made Kiwoom fans look forward to the future.

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*This content was translated by AI.