'First base to the dugout was too much.' Samsung's Ryu Ji-hyuk suffers dizziness, collides with Koo Bon-hyeok at first base → Injury substitution aftermath "We will continue to monitor his condition" [Daegu Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung infielder Ryu Ji-hyuk was substituted out due to a severe injury.

On the 8th, during the home game against LG Twins at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season, Ryu Ji-hyuk was replaced by Kim Sang-jun in the top of the sixth inning with no outs and a runner on second base.

The incident occurred due to a strong collision during fielding. With Samsung trailing 2-5 in the top of the sixth, LG's leadoff batter Lee Jae-won reached base with a double to left-center field. Following that, Koo Bon-hyeok attempted a sacrifice bunt, and pitcher Baek Jeong-hyun fielded the ball and threw it to first base.

At that moment, second baseman Ryu Ji-hyuk, who had moved in to cover first base, failed to catch the ball immediately, resulting in a collision. As Ryu Ji-hyuk fumbled trying to secure the ball, Koo Bon-hyeok sprinted toward first base. With no time to stop and the distance closing rapidly, Ryu Ji-hyuk's head struck the inner side of Koo Bon-hyeok's right thigh with significant force.

The injury to Ryu Ji-hyuk, who took a blow to the head, was particularly severe. He remained on the ground for some time before an ambulance was even brought onto the field from the outfield area. Eventually, Ryu Ji-hyuk caught his breath and, supported by the coaching staff, made his way toward the third-base dugout.

However, even that distance proved difficult; he had to stop and restart several times during the walk. A Samsung club official stated, "Ryu Ji-hyuk is currently experiencing dizziness and is resting. We will continue to monitor his condition."

Meanwhile, Samsung faced a chaotic situation on this day, with Miyazaki Yura being ejected for a helmet shot after colliding with Park Dong-won's helmet, in addition to Ryu Ji-hyuk's departure. As of the top of the sixth inning, they were trailing 2-6.

Samsung's lineup for the game was: Kim Ji-chan (center field), Kim Sung-yoon (right field), Koo Ja-wook (left field), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Lewin Diaz (first base), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second base), Kim Young-woong (third base), Kang Min-ho (catcher), and Shim Jae-hoon (shortstop). The starting pitcher was Jack O'Clarin.

In response, LG's lineup consisted of Hong Chang-ki (right field), Park Hae-min (center field), Austin Dean (first base), Moon Bo-kyung (third base), Song Chan-ui (left field), Park Dong-won (catcher), Oh Ji-hwan (shortstop), Lee Jae-won (designated hitter), and Koo Bon-hyeok (second base). The starting pitcher was Im Chan-gyu.

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*This content was translated by AI.