'Finally, he has emerged' from the pain of being released → immediately transferred → sudden placement in cleanup and starting at first base... Manager says, "I had him in mind for the third spot from the beginning" [Gocheok]

*This content was translated by AI.

Foreign hitter Matt Davidson (34) will finally wear a new Kiwoom Heroes uniform and make his debut.

On the afternoon of the 4th, Kiwoom will host Doosan Bears at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome for a regular-season home game in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League.

The day before (on the 3rd), Kiwoom secured a thrilling 6-5 comeback victory over Doosan in the first of their three-game weekend series.

With this win, Kiwoom, currently in last place, snapped its losing streak at two games and improved to 29 wins, one tie, and 53 losses. The team has narrowed the gap with ninth-place SSG Landers by three games.

Adding to the lineup is a new foreign hitter who was recently released by NC Dinos and transferred to Kiwoom Heroes.

Kiwoom set its starting lineup as follows: Seon Chang (second baseman), Choo Jae-hyun (center fielder), Davidson (first baseman), Hyura (left fielder), Ahn Chi-hong (designated hitter), Park Chan-hyuk (right fielder), Yeo Dong-wook (third baseman), Kim Dong-heon (catcher), and Kwon Hyeok-bin (shortstop). The starting pitcher is Park Jun-hyun.

Changes were made to the first-team roster. Oh Sun-jin, Davidson, and Park Jun-hyun were added to the first-team roster, while Eo Jun-seo, Choi Jae-young, and Choi Hyun-woo were removed from it.

Compared to the previous day, Ahn Chi-hong, who had been playing at first base, is now listed as the designated hitter. Davidson has taken over the first base position.

Before today's game, Davidson met with Kiwoom players and reaffirmed his determination.

Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin said ahead of the match, "When I greeted him earlier, I told him, 'I hope you play hard and stay in the KBO League for a longer time.' Of course, whether he ends up with our team or another is uncertain, but I expressed my wish that he performs well in the second half and stays in the league even longer to continue playing together."

Regarding placing him in the third spot in the batting order, Seol explained, "From the moment we acquired Davidson, I had 'third' in mind. If the first and second batters get on base, I envisioned having a power hitter at the third spot to drive them home. He also seems to think along those lines. Since he understands what role he needs to play for this team, I placed him third."

Meanwhile, Doosan set its starting lineup against Kiwoom as follows: Kim Min-seok (left fielder), Son Ah-seop (right fielder), Park Jun-soon (second baseman), Yang Eui-ji (designated hitter), Ahn Jae-seok (third baseman), Park Chan-ho (shortstop), Jung Soobin (center fielder), Yoon Jun-ho (catcher), and Kang Seung-ho (first baseman). The starting pitcher is Choi Seung-yong.

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*This content was translated by AI.