"I'm gradually gaining confidence." Even a Futures League .400 hitter explodes with a .300 batting average! KT's top-ranked offense grows even stronger.

*This content was translated by AI.

The professional baseball team KT Wiz, boasting a powerful lineup, shows no signs of slowing down. Even a .400 hitter from the Futures League who has recovered from injury is gradually adapting to the first division stage.

As of the end of May, KT holds 32 wins, 1 draw, and 20 losses, sitting in second place, just 0.5 games behind the first-place LG Twins (33 wins, 20 losses). In their recent 10 games, they have gone 7 wins and 3 losses, climbing onto an upward trajectory, with their powerful lineup at the center.

At this point, KT's team batting average stands at 0.287 (first in the league), and their OPS (on-base plus slugging) is 0.781 (third in the league), making them worthy of being called the league's strongest offense. The top of the lineup boasts considerable firepower, including leadoff hitter Choi Won-jun (29), who is challenging for the batting title with a .377 average; Sam Hilliard (32), known for his power hitting; and Kim Sang-soo (36), a .300 hitter who has defied his age.

As a result, even after the return of Futures League .400 hitter Ryu Hyun-jin (26), it is difficult for him to secure playing opportunities. Ryu Hyun-jin is a right-handed batter who bats left-handed and plays infield, drafted by KT in the 7th round, 70th overall, in the 2023 KBO Rookie Draft. Last year, while serving in the Army Baseball Team (Sambo), he played 98 games in the Futures League, recording a .412 batting average (152 hits in 369 at-bats), 9 home runs, 80 RBIs, 103 runs scored, 10 stolen bases, 71 walks, 38 strikeouts, a .503 on-base percentage, a .572 slugging percentage, and a 1.075 OPS (on-base plus slugging), earning him the Southern League batting title.

However, he suffered a fracture in his right pinky finger during a baserunning play in the Changwon NC Dinos match on the 16th and did not return to the first division until May 26. Even after returning, he struggled to appear in games. This was because Kim Sang-soo, playing at his primary position of second base, led the team's upward momentum with a .300 batting average.

Ryu Hyun-jin entered as a pinch hitter on May 27 and made his first start since his return on the 28th. Although he managed only one hit in four at-bats, the process was quite impressive. He endured against Kwak Bin, who throws a fastball clocking up to 159 km/h, extending the pitch count.

He successfully handled the fastballs flying into every corner of the strike zone. In his first at-bat in the 3rd inning, he struck out swinging; in the 5th, he reached base due to an opponent's error. His at-bat in the 6th inning was the highlight. Even with a 2-ball, 2-strike count, he kept fouling off 158 km/h fastballs until he finally struck out swinging on the ninth pitch. Ultimately, Kwak Bin gave up on appearing in the 7th inning, finishing after just 6 innings. The bullpen then allowed 10 runs, leading to Doosan's defeat.

Thereafter, Ryu Hyun-jin came to the plate as the leadoff hitter in the 8th inning, getting on base with a hit to the right field, laying the groundwork for a big 6-run inning. When asked about the experience, Ryu said, "I didn't feel relaxed stepping into the batter's box after such a long time, but as I went through each at-bat, I gradually gained confidence. I feel good that I was able to get a hit at the end."

Regarding the duel with Kwak Bin, he smiled and said, "I tried to approach it a bit more relaxed and swing boldly. I thought about cutting off the last pitch and inviting a fastball, challenging him man-to-man, and a really good pitch came in. Still, it was a satisfying duel. I felt good because I sensed my batting rhythm was gradually returning."

Despite limited opportunities due to a solid infield, he enjoyed himself. Ryu Hyun-jin said, "I've always liked Senior Kim Sang-soo's play, and I want to play like that too. Since Senior Kim has been helping me a lot from the sidelines, I'm learning a lot from him." He added, "Since I was the one who got injured, my only thought is to work hard at any position when the opportunity comes. I just need to step out occasionally when the team is in trouble and be helpful. As I learn little by little, I'm realizing what I lack."

It didn't take long for Ryu Hyun-jin to start as a pitcher. After the Jamsil Doosan match, he made three consecutive starts in the Gocheok Kiwoom Heroes match. This time, he played first base. In those three games, he recorded 1 hit in 3 at-bats with 1 walk; 2 hits in 4 at-bats with 1 RBI, 1 walk, and 1 stolen base; and 3 hits in 4 at-bats with 1 RBI, including two doubles. He gradually showed explosive hitting, helping KT secure a four-game winning streak.

As a result, he recorded a .327 batting average (18 hits in 55 at-bats) over 20 games, with 6 RBIs and an OPS of 0.783, creating another .300 hitter for KT. The maturing batting skills of the Futures League .400 hitter are also good news for KT, which will face LG in a battle for first place starting on the 2nd.

Ryu Hyun-jin said, "The difference between the first and second divisions is mental. In the second division, I had some leeway and was playing well, which led to good contact, but in the first division, I tried too hard and ended up shrinking." He also added, "I haven't fully recovered yet to be called up to the first division. My game feel has dropped significantly, but I think it will improve further in the future."

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*This content was translated by AI.