Will a new foreign investor 'hit the jackpot'? Boasting a batting average of 'as high as 80%' in scoring positions... The manager spared no praise [Jamsil On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

As the Kiwoom Heroes seek to break their losing streak, attention is focused on the bat of their new foreign hitter.

Kiwoom will face the Doosan Bears in an away game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 6:30 p.m. on the 5th.

Kiwoom currently sits 10th in the league with 21 wins, 1 tie, and 36 losses this season. After securing one win in a midweek three-game series against the SSG Landers, they suffered two defeats.

For today's game, Kiwoom set its starting lineup as follows: Seo Geon-chang (second baseman), Ahn Chi-hong (first baseman), Keston Hira (designated hitter), Lee Hyung-jong (left fielder), Im Byung-wook (center fielder), Park Chan-hyuk (right fielder), Yeo Dong-wook (third baseman), Kwon Hyuk-bin (shortstop), and Kim Geon-hee (catcher). The starting pitcher is right-hander Ha Young-min.

Hira, who has been showing strong form since joining Kiwoom, was placed in the third spot in the batting order.

The new foreign hitter Hira, known for his 50 career home runs in the major leagues, was called up to the first division on the 30th of last month to make his KBO League debut. He performed well in his first game, recording 2 hits, 1 RBI, and 1 run in 5 at-bats.

Through a total of five games up to the previous day (the 4th), he recorded a hit in every game except the one against KT on May 31. His stats over the five games include a batting average of 0.263 (5 hits in 19 at-bats), 2 home runs, 7 RBIs, 3 runs scored, 5 walks, and 8 strikeouts, with a slugging percentage of 0.632, an on-base percentage of 0.417, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.049. His batting average in scoring positions is a remarkable 0.800 (4 hits in 5 at-bats).

Earlier, Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin commented on Hira, saying, "What we want is obviously power hitting," and added, "He will play between left field and first base."

Ahead of today's game, Manager Seol praised Hira, stating, "He delivers clutch hits when needed. With his early home runs, he is providing a synergy effect to the bench." What kind of performance will Hira deliver next?

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*This content was translated by AI.