'First four hits of the season' — National team catcher Kim Geon-hei shows his dignity! Looking forward to the All-Star Game, Kim Geon-hei says, "Kiwoom fans, please believe in and support us."

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Geon-hei (22), the Kiwoom Heroes catcher selected for the 'Baseball National Team' to compete in the Nagoya-Aichi Asian Games this September, led his team to break their home losing streak with outstanding batting form and by fully displaying his true capabilities as a catcher.

On the 30th, Kiwoom secured a decisive 6-0 victory over LG Twins in a home game held at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome, breaking their six-game home losing streak. Starting as the fifth hitter and catcher, Kim Geon-hei delivered a powerful performance, recording his first four-hit game of the season (1 RBI, 1 run scored). At home plate, he directed ace An Woo-jin's perfect 11-strikeout scoreless outing, showcasing his dominant presence both at bat and behind the plate.

The secret to his outstanding performance on both offense and defense was thorough preparation and advice from the coaching staff. After the game, Kim Geon-hei said, "Coach Kang Byung-sik instructed me on how to approach at-bats before the game. He especially advised me to anticipate and prepare for how the opposing pitcher performed in previous games." He added, "Coach Jang Young-seok also provided significant help not only in batting but in various other areas. Thanks to both coaches, I believe it led to a good result," as he smiled.

His 'class' as a catcher shone as brightly as his bat. Kim Geon-hei formed a perfect synergy with An Woo-jin, who threw a fastball reaching up to 156 km/h, effectively shutting down the LG lineup. Behind An Woo-jin's perfect outing was a pre-game understanding with Kim Geon-hei.

Kim Geon-hei recalled, "Before the game, I told An Woo-jin that we should aim to settle at-bats as quickly as possible without wasting any pitches from the first pitch, and he delivered incredible pitches." He continued, "An Woo-jin is always a pitcher who throws good pitches, but today every pitch was excellent and perfect. He showed the performance of a top-tier pitcher."

His mature leadership, calming his older brother and ace, also stood out. Kim Geon-hei laughed, saying, "After allowing a hit, he seemed very disappointed, so I told him, 'You pitched well enough, so don't worry about it.'"

He also did not hide his anticipation for his first-ever All-Star Game appearance. Kim Geon-hei shared, "I am gaining a lot of strength from the fans' support. I am honored to be selected for the All-Star Game this time, and it is a stage I have dreamed of since childhood, so I am truly happy. I will prepare well and return having fun."

Finally, addressing Kiwoom fans, Kim Geon-hei declared, "I will do my best every day, so I hope you will continue to believe in and support us in the future." The night at Gocheok burned brightly with the performance of the 'National Team Catcher' who dominated both the plate and the batter's box.

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*This content was translated by AI.