* Translated by AI

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'4.8 billion won is not a waste' Choi Won-jun, who topped the batting average, says, "A meaningful game with my first multi-home run" [Jamsil]

Published:

Shin Hwasup

*This content was translated by AI.

KT's Choi Won-jun rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning against Doosan on the 26th. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
KT's Choi Won-jun rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning against Doosan on the 26th. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung

KT Wiz's Choi Won-jun (29) has finally topped the batting average.

On the 26th, Choi Won-jun started as the leadoff right fielder in a game against the Doosan Bears at Seoul Jamsil Stadium in the rain, contributing with 4 at-bats, 2 hits, 2 RBIs, 1 walk, and 1 stolen base to lead his team to a 6-0 victory.

Both hits were home runs. After being retired on a fly ball to the second baseman in the top of the first inning and a fly ball to the center fielder in the top of the third, Choi Won-jun hit a slider (131 km/h) right in the middle, his second pitch from opposing starter Choi Min-seok, with two outs in the bottom of the fifth and a 1-0 count, sending a solo shot to the left-center field gap. It was his second home run of the season, traveling 130 meters. A valuable blast came while the team was clinging to a narrow 1-0 lead.

Choi Won-jun (bottom left) is greeted by teammates after hitting the home run. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
Choi Won-jun (bottom left) is greeted by teammates after hitting the home run. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung

Choi Won-jun, who led off the inning and drew a walk before successfully stealing second base, experienced another thrilling moment in the top of the ninth when the score was 5-0. With two outs and a 1-1 count, he hit a low curveball (126 km/h), his third pitch from relief pitcher Lee Yong-chan, over the right-field fence. The distance was 125 meters. It was his first multi-home run game in 10 years since his debut with the KIA Tigers in 2016.

KT manager Lee Kang-cheol (60) said after the game, "Huh Kyung-min created an opportunity with a double to the second base with two outs in the top of the fourth, and Kim Sang-su drove him in with a sacrifice fly to take the lead. Then, in the very next inning, Choi Won-jun hit a solo home run and shifted the momentum. I congratulate Choi Won-jun on his two home runs in a single game."

Choi Won-jun (right) circles third base after hitting a home run in the bottom of the fifth. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
Choi Won-jun (right) circles third base after hitting a home run in the bottom of the fifth. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung

This performance justifies an investment of up to 4.8 billion won over four years. After becoming a free agent following last season, Choi Won-jun switched uniforms from the NC Dinos to KT, finishing the season with a .370 batting average, edging out SSG Landers' Park Sung-han (.369) by one point to claim the top spot. His 71 hits also lead the league, five more than Austin (LG Twins) and Park Sung-han (both 66). He has 12 stolen bases, tying for third place.

After the game, Choi Won-jun conveyed through the team, "It was a meaningful game to hit my first multi-home run. Most importantly, I was happy to deliver when the first home run was crucial. I wasn't aiming for the second home run, but I got lucky and made solid contact." He added, "I didn't perform well in my first two at-bats, but coaches Yoo Han-jun and Kim Kang provided significant technical and mental support to help me achieve good results in the remaining at-bats. Their guidance has been a great help during training and has led to positive results, which makes me very happy."

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*This content was translated by AI.

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