'KIA and the protagonist of the massive trade' erupted at NC! '0.358' batting average ranked second—crazy, yet he says, "Beyond the records, I'm happy the team won"

*This content was translated by AI.

NC Dinos outfielder Lee Woo-seong (32) saved his team with insane performances on both offense and defense. While his personal stats were dazzling, the player himself placed greater significance on the team breaking its losing streak.

On the 3rd, Lee Woo-seong started as the second batter and left fielder in the away game against Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League', going 3-for-5 with one walk and one run scored, leading the team to a 6-4 victory.

Thanks to his performance today, Lee Woo-seong's season stats stand at a .358 batting average (179 at-bats, 64 hits), 4 home runs, 20 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.890 in 51 games. His batting average with runners in scoring position is also .304, and his batting average over the last 10 games reached .395 (38 at-bats, 15 hits). Coincidentally, he has firmly held the second spot in the league batting average, following Choi Won-jun (batting average .379), who left for KT Wiz as a free agent (FA) after arriving at NC via trade alongside him in July last year, showcasing his sharp hitting form.

Lee Woo-seong's performance was strong from the early stages of the game. In the top of the first inning with a 1-0 lead and no outs with no runners on base, he opened the scoring with a double to left-center field. Later, in the bottom of the sixth inning while trailing 1-4, he led off with a single to right field, then crossed home plate on a two-run home run by subsequent batter Park Min-woo, effectively igniting the team's comeback.

He also demonstrated his ability to capitalize on opportunities. In the top of the seventh inning with two outs and a runner on second, he drew a walk. In the top of the ninth inning, with the score tied 4-4, one out, and a runner on second, he produced a precise hit for an infield single in front of the third baseman. In the top of the tenth inning of extra innings, he reached base once more due to an opponent's error, completing an impressive '5-on-base game' for the day alone.

The defense in the bottom of the ninth inning was truly the highlight. With the score tied 4-4 and a runner on first with two outs, Samsung's Lee Jae-hyun targeted the first pitch from NC pitcher Jeon Sa-min, launching a powerful hit toward the left-field fence. It appeared to be a hit that could lead to an immediate walk-off loss, but Lee Woo-seong chased it all the way and caught it just in front of the fence. It was a decisive, stellar defensive play that saved the team from the brink of defeat.

NC, having overcome the crisis, defeated Samsung 6-4 after a close battle in the tenth inning of extra innings. With this victory, NC overcame an absolute disadvantage of 0 wins and 7 losses against Samsung this season, securing a precious first win.

Lee Woo-seong put on the NC uniform again via trade on July 28, 2025. At that time, NC executed a massive 3-for-3 trade, receiving Lee Woo-seong, outfielder Choi Won-jun, and infielder Hong Jong-pyo, while sending pitchers Kim Si-hoon and Han Jae-seung, and infielder Jung Hyun-chang to KIA Tigers.

In his first year with the team, the 2025 season, Lee Woo-seong finished with a .250 batting average, 3 home runs, and 33 RBIs in 105 games, leaving some regrets. However, he successfully made a perfect comeback this season, standing tall as the protagonist of the massive trade. As his batting sample size grows, he continues to prove his own value.

After the game, Lee Woo-seong stated through the club, "Beyond my personal records, I am happy that the team won. Since the team was on a losing streak against Samsung, everyone prepared for the game with extra focus."

Regarding the defensive substitution in the bottom of the ninth inning, he said, "When I got the final out, I only felt relieved that (Jeon) Sa-min did not allow a run and the team did not lose." He added, "After entering the dugout, I thanked Coach Kim Jong-ho for positioning me correctly in the field."

Finally, Lee Woo-seong vowed, "I want to continue this great momentum in tomorrow's game on the 4th and repay the fans with good results."

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*This content was translated by AI.