'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 a regular-season away game against the Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League.

This victory perfectly avenged their loss the previous day (7th). LG hit 14 total 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 hit a sacrifice fly to left field on the fourth pitch of the first inning for an infield single.

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 with two outs and runners on first and third while LG led 3-2. This RBI triple forced Oracle off the mound. In the bottom of the sixth inning with one out and a runner on third, Hong drew a walk and scored on an opposing 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. With LG leading 5-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning, two outs, and runners on first and second, Hong fielded a ground ball from Kim Sung-yoon's infield hit to right field 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 key role in halting 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 lineup, Oh Ji-hwan went 2-for-4 with two hits, Lee Jae-won recorded two hits including a double in three at-bats with one RBI and one run scored, and Moon Jung-bin made a strong impact as a pinch hitter, going 1-for-1 with a home run.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop noted, "Austin and (Moon) Bo-gyeong's RBIs helped create momentum in the chase. 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, Park Hae-min's RBI and Moon Jung-bin's home run secured the win." He individually praised the players who contributed to the victory.

Thanks to this, Im Chan-kyu earned his ninth win of the season (two losses) despite allowing six hits (one home run), one walk, striking out six batters, and giving up two runs over five innings. Reliever Yassel Lios pitched two scoreless innings with one hit allowed, one walk, and one strikeout, while Kim Jin-su and Kim Yun-sik each closed out an inning perfectly to secure the win.

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

With this result, LG tied the series at one win and one loss, improving their record to 52 wins and 32 losses. They now lead Samsung (50 wins, two ties, 32 losses) by just one game. 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. Despite being on the road, many fans came to support us, which helped us achieve a comeback victory."

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*This content was translated by AI.