Shock: "I thought this was my final career game..." Sudden release → Immediate transfer offer the next day → Made a presence with 'three hits' from his debut match

*This content was translated by AI.

He has now become a member of the Hero squad. Matt Davidson (35) recorded three hits in his debut match with Kiwoom Heroes.

On the 4th, Kiwoom lost to Doosan Bears 4-8 in a regular-season home game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul as part of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League.

With this loss, Kiwoom, currently in last place in the league, postponed their climb to 30 wins and now stand at 29 wins, one draw, and 54 losses.

In today's game, Kiwoom played its first match with a new foreign batter. It was Davidson, who previously played for NC Dinos.

Davidson started as the third batter and first baseman, forming the core of the batting order alongside fourth batter Hyura.

Before the game, Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin said about Davidson: "When I greeted him before the match, I told him, 'I hope you play hard and stay in the KBO League for a while longer.' Of course, whether he ends up on our team or another is uncertain, but I told him I hope he performs well in the second half and stays in the league to play with us."

Explaining why he placed Davidson in the third spot, Seol added: "From the moment we signed Davidson, I had 'third' in mind. If the first and second batters get on base, I envisioned the third batter driving in runs with extra-base hits. He shares that same mindset. Since he knows what role he needs to play for this team, I put him at third."

Davidson showcased his presence by recording three hits, including one extra-base hit, in today's game.

Davidson struck out in the first inning and flew out to center field in the fourth. However, in the sixth, with one out and a runner on first, he hit a two-run double down the left-field line against Doosan starter Choi Seung-yong, recording his first hit since joining Kiwoom. He then drew a walk in the seventh and reached base via a hit-by-pitch in the eighth, completing his three-hit game.

Before today's match, Davidson told reporters in an interview: "I was overwhelmed with moving houses and preparing for everything, but I'm glad to be back on my routine."

Regarding the transfer situation, he said: "After NC placed me on waivers, Kiwoom contacted me the very next day. After that, I prepared for the move and eventually transferred. In fact, I thought this might be my final game in my career (on June 26 while still with NC against Changwon). At the time, it was unclear whether I would go to the U.S. or another league. It was an emotional day, but I was very relieved that Kiwoom reached out. I'm also happy that I can continue my career in the KBO League."

Davidson expressed gratitude: "I'm glad for the warm welcome from Kiwoom. They made many things related to the transfer and moving very easy for me, and I appreciate it."

In the 2024 season, Davidson hit 46 home runs to claim the home run title. He also hit 36 home runs last season. This season, he has recorded eight home runs so far. Davidson hit four home runs at Gocheok Dome in 2024 and one in 2025. He has yet to hit a home run at Gocheok Dome this season. When asked about comparing Gocheok Dome and Changwon NC Park, he said: "I can't say which is better yet. But being able to play indoors is very good."

Finally, regarding the Kiwoom pitching staff he has faced as an opponent, he said: "I think they have really strong pitching. Especially since there are so many young pitchers, I believe it's a great situation."

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*This content was translated by AI.