*This content was translated by AI.
The LG Twins have seized a golden opportunity this season to produce their first-ever home run champion in franchise history. The protagonist is none other than LG’s foreign hitter Austin Dean (33). There is reason for this optimism: throughout the first half of the season, he consistently hit numerous home runs, alternating between sole possession and co-leadership of the home run leaderboard.
However, a variable has emerged. The situation has dramatically shifted. Kim Do-young (23), representing the KIA Tigers, is on an extraordinary upward trajectory. In yesterday’s game (the 15th), he hit another home run, further solidifying his sole lead in the home run category.
On the 15th, Kim Do-young started as the third baseman and cleanup hitter in KIA’s home game against the Doosan Bears at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field during the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season. He went 1-for-4 with one home run, two runs scored, one RBI, and one walk, including a solo home run in the fourth inning.
Kim Do-young was retired on a third-base grounder in the first inning and struck out in the second. His powerful hit came in the fourth inning when KIA held a 3-1 lead.
With no runners on base and one out, Kim Do-young targeted a 142 km/h fastball from Doosan’s starter Choi Seung-yong on the seventh pitch, launching it over the left-field wall for a solo home run. At the moment of contact, he seemed to instinctively recognize it was a home run. He performed an elaborate bat-flipping celebration before jogging toward first base. This marked his first home run since the game against Samsung Lions on the 12th — three days later.
Additionally, this home run was Kim Do-young’s 35th of the season. With this hit, he extended his lead over second-place Austin (32 home runs) by three more. He now holds sole possession of first place in the home run category, with five more home runs than KT Wiz’s Sam Hilliard (30), who sits third.
Later in the game, Kim Do-young drew a walk in the sixth inning to complete a multi-hit appearance. In the eighth, he grounded out to second base. Ultimately, thanks to Kim Do-young’s performance, KIA secured a 6-1 victory, avenging their loss on the 14th.
Now, Kim Do-young aims to surpass his personal single-season home run record set in 2024. He previously hit 38 home runs that year.
In fact, even Kim Do-young himself did not expect to win the home run title this season. There is a valid reason: the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are scheduled for this year. The tournament will run from the 19th to October 4. Kim Do-young has been called up by his country and will compete wearing the national emblem.
During the Asian Games period, the KBO League continues without interruption. This means Kim Do-young cannot participate in KBO League games while representing his team at the international event. For any pursuit of record-breaking achievements, this absence functions as a kind of handicap.
Considering the national team’s training schedule, players like Kim Do-young will likely be away from the league for about two weeks to compete in Japan. They are expected to miss approximately 10–13 games.
In contrast, Austin can participate in all remaining games without interruption. The same applies to Hilliard.
Indeed, during the first half of the season, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the words “home run champion” were virtually absent from Kim Do-young’s mind. Regarding the home run race at the end of June, he stated: “I haven’t even thought about it. To maintain my current good form, I believe it’s best to set aside such thoughts entirely. While I’m not focused on records, I am paying attention to my batting average. And above all, I am concentrating solely on helping the team win.” He demonstrated a team-first mentality.
Kim Do-young hit 27 home runs in 86 games during the first half and 8 home runs in 19 games during the second half. Austin recorded 27 home runs in 85 games in the first half and 5 home runs in 21 games in the second half. Clearly, Kim Do-young’s pace is strong.
At this current pace, it would be reasonable to entertain hopes of winning the home run title. Moreover, Austin plays his home games at Jamsil Stadium, which tends to produce fewer home runs. If Austin fails to close the gap while Kim Do-young competes in the Asian Games, there is a possibility that Kim Do-young could claim the crown.
As of August 16 this season (morning), KIA has 39 games remaining, and LG has 38 games left. Who will ultimately emerge victorious in the home run race at the end of this season?
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*This content was translated by AI.
