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Three-hit, empty-hit 'two-game losing streak' LG's bold move! Hong Chang-gi and Oh Ji-hwan OUT → Moon Bo-kyung suddenly starts as designated hitter

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Park Sujin
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*This content was translated by AI.

LG's fourth batter Moon Bo-kyung celebrates after hitting a two-run single in the top of the first inning against KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park on April 30, 2026. 2026.04.30. /Photo=Senior reporter Kang Young-jo cameratalks@
LG's fourth batter Moon Bo-kyung celebrates after hitting a two-run single in the top of the first inning against KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park on April 30, 2026. 2026.04.30. /Photo=Senior reporter Kang Young-jo cameratalks@

After suffering three hits and empty hits in the game on June 30, which led to a two-game losing streak, LG Twins are making a sudden change to their lineup to turn the tide. While Moon Bo-kyung, the "fourth batter" who had raised injury concerns, returns to the starting lineup, the bold move includes excluding regular leadoff hitter Hong Chang-gi.

LG Twins announced their starting lineup ahead of their away game against Kiwoom Heroes in the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League" to be held at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 1st.

The most noticeable change is undoubtedly Moon Bo-kyung's return and the exclusion of Hong Chang-gi and Oh Ji-hwan. Hong Chang-gi has been struggling recently with a batting average of 0.207 over the last 10 games, while Oh Ji-hwan has not recorded a single hit in his last 10 games.

Today, LG constructed its lineup as follows: Song Chan-ui (right fielder)-Park Hae-min (center fielder)-Austin Dean (first baseman)-Moon Bo-kyung (designated hitter)-Moon Jung-bin (third baseman)-Moon Sung-ju (left fielder)-Park Dong-won (catcher)-Lee Young-bin (shortstop)-Shin Min-jae (second baseman).

Moon Bo-kyung's return to the starting lineup is like a welcome rain after a drought. Moon Bo-kyung suffered an ankle injury during the three-game series against Busan Lotte Giants over the weekend, raising concerns. In the game on June 30, his ankle condition was not fully recovered, so he was excluded from the starting lineup and appeared only once as a pinch hitter.

Ahead of the June 30 game, LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop had announced plans for Moon Bo-kyung to primarily serve as a pinch hitter during the away series against Kiwoom at Gocheok, but he appears to have shown a rapid recovery. As a result, he was named in the starting lineup as the fourth designated hitter. Although he is playing as a designated hitter to reduce defensive burden, the fact that he is holding his position in the heart of the lineup is expected to add significant weight to LG's batting order.

LG's bold lineup move appears to be a reaction to the shock of the lifeless defeat suffered the previous day. LG was tightly held by Kiwoom's starting pitcher An Woo-jin, managing only three hits throughout the game, and ultimately suffered a 0-6 shutout loss. The silence of the lineup was severe, as they managed only one hit against An Woo-jin.

LG's leadoff hitter Hong Chang-gi celebrates after hitting a tying hit with bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the seventh inning against KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 4th. LG has turned the tide with a 6-3 lead in the bottom of the seventh. 2026.06.04. /Photo=Senior reporter Kang Young-jo cameratalks@
LG's leadoff hitter Hong Chang-gi celebrates after hitting a tying hit with bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the seventh inning against KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 4th. LG has turned the tide with a 6-3 lead in the bottom of the seventh. 2026.06.04. /Photo=Senior reporter Kang Young-jo cameratalks@
Oh Ji-hwan, who hit back-to-back home runs, once again planted the flag at the top. Jim Sil-o-seo-bang Austin secured the first-place spot with a solo home run, fearing the flag might fall. The previous day, after a decisive 12-2 victory over KIA, LG defeated KIA 3-1, moving to a sole first-place record of 31 wins and 20 losses. LG starter Song Seung-gi pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing four hits, no walks, and striking out four in a scoreless effort, then broke down in tears of emotion after the game. The lineup exploded from the first inning. Oh Ji-hwan, who was on a six-game hitting streak against KIA's pitcher, immediately took the lead with a two-run home run. Austin targeted the pitcher's seventh slider (138.1 km/h) in the bottom of the third with no outs, sending a solo arch over the left-field wall. This was his 12th home run of the season. LG brought in new closer Son Ju-young in the top of the ninth to close out the game and enjoyed the joy of reclaiming first place. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung kim.jinkyung@
Oh Ji-hwan, who hit back-to-back home runs, once again planted the flag at the top. Jim Sil-o-seo-bang Austin secured the first-place spot with a solo home run, fearing the flag might fall. The previous day, after a decisive 12-2 victory over KIA, LG defeated KIA 3-1, moving to a sole first-place record of 31 wins and 20 losses. LG starter Song Seung-gi pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing four hits, no walks, and striking out four in a scoreless effort, then broke down in tears of emotion after the game. The lineup exploded from the first inning. Oh Ji-hwan, who was on a six-game hitting streak against KIA's pitcher, immediately took the lead with a two-run home run. Austin targeted the pitcher's seventh slider (138.1 km/h) in the bottom of the third with no outs, sending a solo arch over the left-field wall. This was his 12th home run of the season. LG brought in new closer Son Ju-young in the top of the ninth to close out the game and enjoyed the joy of reclaiming first place. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung kim.jinkyung@

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*This content was translated by AI.

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