'The Star of Defense' NC's Kim Han-byul crowned 'Capsplay Hero' again in July, following June... 'First to achieve 2Yeon Sok (수상)'

*This content was translated by AI.

NC Dinos infielder Kim Han-byul (25) has been named the player who showcased the best defense in July, following his performance in June.

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced on the 6th that Kim Han-byul, who made decisive defensive plays to save NC at critical moments throughout July, was selected as the winner of the 2026 Shinhan Ssol KBO League July Capsplay.

Kim Han-byul enjoyed the joy of achieving 2Yeon Sok (수상) for the second time, following last month. Kim Han-byul is the first to have won the monthly Capsplay 2Yeon Sok (수상) times.

On the 23rd of last month during a game against LG Twins at Jamsil Stadium, playing as the second baseman, Kim Han-byul dove to catch Oh Ji-hwan's quick infield grounder in the bottom of the 8th inning with one out and bases loaded while his team led 7-5.

Although calmly throwing the ball to tag only the leading runner at second base would have been a sufficiently excellent defensive play, Kim Han-byul thought one step further. Even with his body's center of gravity off-balance, he perfectly transferred the caught ball via a glove toss to shortstop Kim Ju-won. Kim Ju-won, who had moved in to cover second base, stepped on the bag and quickly stripped the ball before throwing it to first base.

The initial call was out, but LG requested a video review. Despite the slow-motion replay, it was an extremely close situation where making a clear judgment was difficult; however, the umpires upheld the original call, allowing NC to end the inning with a double play. Ultimately, NC held its lead in the 9th inning and secured a thrilling 7-5 victory.

Monthly Capsplay winners are selected by official scorers who comprehensively evaluate factors such as win probability contribution and defensive index to identify players who executed the highest-scoring defensive plays during that period.

Kim Han-byul previously won this award for his game-saving defense in a match against LG at Changwon NC Park on June 5th of last month.

In the top of the 7th inning with two outs and bases loaded, tied 3-3, third baseman Kim Han-byul dove to catch Hong Chang-gi's powerful hit, ending the inning and delighting KBO League fans.

Kim Han-byul's monthly Capsplay award ceremony is scheduled to take place during an NC home game later this month. Kim Han-byul will receive a prize of 1 million won.

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*This content was translated by AI.