"Hope Ryu Ji-hyuk is not seriously injured." LG's Hong Chang-ki, despite a perfect performance, showed concern for Samsung veteran after 'collision at first base → hospital visit' [Daegu]

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins' Hong Chang-ki (33) expressed concern for Ryu Ji-hyuk (32, Samsung Lions), who left the game due to an injury during play despite his own outstanding performance.

On the 8th, at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, in a regular-season KBO League match between Samsung and LG, Hong started as leadoff hitter and right fielder. He recorded 2 hits in 4 at-bats, 1 walk, 2 RBIs, and 1 run, leading LG to an 8-2 victory.

It was a performance worthy of the 'Chang-ki Twins' after a long time. In the first inning, he hit a single to left field. After striking out in the third inning, Hong delivered a two-run triple to deep center-right field with two outs and runners on first and third in the bottom of the fourth, when LG led 3-2. He also made a crucial defensive play. In the bottom of the fifth, with two outs and runners on first and second while LG led 5-2, he fielded Kim Sung-yoon's ground ball to right field and threw accurately to second base, tagging out Kang Min-ho who was attempting to score from third.

Yeom Kyung-yeop, LG's manager, said: "Hong Chang-ki led the lineup with two hits and two RBIs in the batting order. His play at home plate in the fifth inning also stopped the opposing team's momentum. I want to praise Hong for his performance both offensively and defensively," naming him the game's most valuable player.

This was a satisfying victory that perfectly avenged the 2-9 loss the previous day (7th). With this win, LG tied the series at one win and one loss, improving their record to 52 wins and 32 losses, surpassing Samsung (50 wins, 2 ties, 32 losses) by one game and reclaiming first place in just one day. After the game, Hong Chang-ki said: "We lost yesterday's important game, but I'm glad we could win today (8th). My timing at the plate felt good, so whenever I saw a hittable pitch, I focused on hitting it hard. Thinking of the triple situation not as an opportunity but as a chance to swing boldly led to this positive result."

Thanks to this, Im Chan-kyu earned his ninth win (with two losses) of the season despite allowing six hits (including one home run), walking one batter, striking out six, and giving up two runs over five innings. Hong Chang-ki added: "Before today's game, my wife told me, 'Don't fight yourself; fight the pitcher.' I approached the game with that mindset and got a good result. I threw as hard as I could to make sure the throw home was accurate, and I'm happy it helped (Im) Chan-kyu secure the win," he smiled.

Meanwhile, there were two startling incidents during the game. In the top of the fifth with two outs and a runner on second, LG's Park Dong-won was hit in the head by Miyaji Yura's 152 km/h fastball. Fortunately, the helmet's brim absorbed most of the impact, so Park suffered no serious injury, but Miyaji was ejected from the game. In the top of the sixth with no outs and a runner on second, Samsung's second baseman Ryu Ji-hyuk was replaced due to dizziness. LG's Koo Bon-hyeok attempted a bunt, which Samsung pitcher Baek Jung-hyun fielded and tossed to first base. At that moment, Ryu Ji-hyuk, who had moved in to cover first base, failed to catch the ball on the first attempt, resulting in a collision.

As Koo Bon-hyeok sprinted toward first base, Ryu Ji-hyuk's head struck hard against the inner side of Koo's right thigh while trying to field the ball. Ryu remained on the ground for some time and eventually required an ambulance from the outfield. Fortunately, he was able to stand up with assistance from medical staff but struggled to walk even the short distance from first base to the third-base dugout, stopping multiple times along the way. A Samsung club official said after the game: "Ryu Ji-hyuk experienced dizziness and went directly to a nearby hospital for a CT scan after resting. We will know the results tomorrow (9th)."

The collision was so shocking that even young fans were in tears, and spectators forgot their usual cheers. LG players' concern was entirely understandable. Hong Chang-ki said: "Thanks to all the fans who came all the way to Daegu, we were able to win," but added: "I'm worried about Ryu Ji-hyuk's condition. I hope it's not a serious injury."

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*This content was translated by AI.