'How long has it been?' Hong Chang-gi's three-base hits, two RBIs, and a perfect home throw earn praise from the manager: "I want to praise Chang-gi" [Daegu]

*This content was translated by AI.

'How long has it been?' LG Twins outfielder Hong Chang-gi (33) received high praise from the manager for his outstanding performance on both offense and defense.

On the 8th, LG defeated Samsung 8-2 in an away game against the Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park during the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season.

This victory perfectly avenged their loss the previous day (7th). LG hit a total of 14 hits, including long and short hits, overpowering Samsung's seven hits. Among them, Hong Chang-gi stood out. Starting as the leadoff hitter and right fielder, Hong recorded two hits in four at-bats, two RBIs, one walk, and one run scored. Facing left-handed pitcher Jack Oracle, Hong took a mistake pitch on the fourth ball of the top of the first inning and reached base with a single to left field.

After sitting out due to a strikeout in the top of the third inning, Hong hit a two-run triple to deep center-right field in the bottom of the fourth with two outs and runners on first and third while LG led 3-2. This RBI hit forced Oracle off the mound. In the bottom of the sixth with one out and a runner on third, Hong drew a walk and scored on an opposing catcher's wild pitch.

He also made a crucial defensive play. He fully avenged the humiliation of being tagged out at home during a right fielder Kim Sung-yoon's throw in the top of the first inning. In the bottom of the fifth with two outs and runners on first and second while LG led 5-2, Hong fielded a ground ball hit to right by Kim Sung-yoon and threw it accurately to home plate, tagging out runner Kang Min-ho at second base.

After the game, LG Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop smiled and said, "Chang-gi led the lineup with two hits and two RBIs in the batting order. His perfect home throw in the fifth inning also played a big role in cutting off Samsung's momentum. I want to praise Chang-gi for his outstanding performance on both offense and defense."

Park Hae-min also avenged his previous day's (7th) humiliation, where he collapsed in every opportunity, by recording three hits in five at-bats, one RBI, one run scored, and one stolen base. In the lower part of the lineup, Oh Ji-hwan recorded two hits in four at-bats, Lee Jae-won hit a double among his three hits with two hits, one RBI, and one run scored, while Moon Jung-bin made an impactful appearance as a pinch hitter, recording one hit (a home run) in one at-bat.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop noted, "Austin and (Moon) Bo-gyeong's RBIs helped create momentum for the comeback. Lee Jae-won's go-ahead hit and Hong Chang-gi's two RBIs created the conditions for victory. In a situation where additional runs were needed, we were able to secure the win thanks to Park Hae-min's RBI and Moon Jung-bin's home run." He individually mentioned the position players who contributed to the victory.

As a result, Im Chan-kyu secured his ninth win of the season (with two losses) despite allowing six hits (including one home run), walking one batter, striking out six batters, and giving up two runs over five innings. Following him, Yacel Lios pitched two scoreless innings with one hit allowed, one walk, and one strikeout, while Kim Jin-su and Kim Yun-sik each shut down the opposing team perfectly in one inning to preserve the victory.

Manager Yeom praised, "Starting pitcher Im Chan-kyu fulfilled his role as a starter even under difficult circumstances, laying the foundation for victory. Yacel Lios cleanly held the line for two innings, allowing us to play solid defense overall."

With this win, LG tied the series at one win and one loss against Samsung. With an overall record of 52 wins and 32 losses, LG has reclaimed first place from Samsung (50 wins, two ties, 32 losses) by just one game after a single day. With only one game remaining until the All-Star break, LG will rely on Lachlan Wells, while Samsung will count on Won Tae-in to secure first place in the first half of the season.

Manager Yeom expressed gratitude, saying, "It was an important game, and I want to praise the players for their focus. Even though we were playing away, many fans came to support us, which allowed us to achieve a comeback victory."

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*This content was translated by AI.