* Translated by AI

Starnews

“Boiling with frustration,” Austin was cut, and the selected LG 8-foot power hitter responded with his first career grand slam. “I’ve never seen anything like this even in elementary, middle, or high school, let alone in the minor leagues...”

Updated:

Kim Dongyoon

*This content was translated by AI.

LG's Moon Jeong-bin led the team to a victory in the match against KT at Jamsil on the 18th and held an interview with reporters. /Photo=Reporter Kim Dong-yun
LG's Moon Jeong-bin led the team to a victory in the match against KT at Jamsil on the 18th and held an interview with reporters. /Photo=Reporter Kim Dong-yun

After passing on Austin Dean (33), he chose himself. LG Twins' Moon Jung-bin (23) unleashed emotions boiling within him with his first career grand slam home run.

Moon Jung-bin started at the fourth spot in the batting order and as first baseman for LG in their home game against KT Wiz at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium on the 18th, leading the team to a 9-1 victory with five hits in five at-bats (one home run), five RBIs, and two runs scored.

He was unstoppable even against national team pitcher So Hyoung-jun (25). After retiring on a strikeout and a first baseman's fly ball in his previous two at-bats, Moon Jung-bin faced So Hyoung-jun again in the bottom of the fifth inning with LG leading 2-1, one out, and bases loaded. The batter immediately preceding him, Austin, had been issued what was essentially an intentional walk. This indicated that the opposing team chose to face Moon Jung-bin, who was batting fourth in the lineup.

Moon Jeong-bin was also aware of the situation. After the game, he said, "I was a bit disappointed with myself for not capitalizing on the first and second chances, but I'm glad things worked out well in my third at-bat," adding, "I think I started to get a feel for it during those first two at-bats."

The opponent's choice sparked Moon Jeong-bin's competitive spirit. He smiled, saying, "I was thinking a lot about how to compete from the time I stepped into the batter's box," and added, "I was boiling with anger. I made up my mind that I had to teach them a lesson."

As Hyoung-jun threw a two-seam fastball clocked at 147.3 km/h aimed at the strike zone, Moon Jeong-bin swung without hesitation. The ball rocketed away at 171.9 km/h, traveled 121.4 meters, and cleared the center-field fence.

LG's Moon Jeong-bin hit his first career bases-loaded home run in the bottom of the fifth inning with one out and bases loaded during the game against KT at Jamsil on the 18th. /Photo=LG Twins provided
LG's Moon Jeong-bin hit his first career bases-loaded home run in the bottom of the fifth inning with one out and bases loaded during the game against KT at Jamsil on the 18th. /Photo=LG Twins provided

It was his 14th home run of the season and Moon Jung-bin's first career grand slam. The batter who hit the ball did not expect a home run. Moon said, "I thought I would catch it again. 'It's a fly to right field. But at least it will be an RBI,' I was thinking as I ran. Then right fielder Ahn Hyun-min turned his body while running. So I thought, 'It went over again.' It felt so good."

What was even more special was that it was truly the first time. Moon Jeong-bin said, "I have never hit a bases-loaded home run in my entire baseball career, not even in elementary school, middle school, high school, or the minor leagues." He added with a smile, "I wondered what it would feel like, but when I ran around the bases and came home, there were three people waiting for me. It felt different."

Earlier, KT's Ahn Hyun-min had boosted the atmosphere with a massive 145-meter home run to the upper deck of the Jamsil outfield, making Moon Jeong-bin's hit even more valuable. He instantly turned a tense one-run game into a 6-1 blowout, completely shifting the momentum in LG's favor.

For Moon Jeong-bin, who hails from the 'Ellin (LG Twins + Children)' program, Jamsil has become a home run factory instead. Of the 14th home runs he recorded this year, no fewer than 8 were hit at Jamsil. Moon explained, "Even though I feel it's far when I go to other stadiums and then come back to Jamsil, I try not to worry about that part while at bat. In fact, that might be why I'm hitting more home runs."

LG's Moon Jeong-bin is being congratulated after hitting his first career bases-loaded home run in the bottom of the fifth inning with one out and bases loaded during the game against KT at Jamsil on the 18th. /Photo=LG Twins provided
LG's Moon Jeong-bin is being congratulated after hitting his first career bases-loaded home run in the bottom of the fifth inning with one out and bases loaded during the game against KT at Jamsil on the 18th. /Photo=LG Twins provided

Not forcing home runs is also a secret to success. Moon Jeong-bin said, "I don't really focus on home runs at the plate. I try to concentrate on making contact, and it seems like when that happens at the right spot, it results in a home run."

Before the game, Moon Jeong-bin did not feel particularly confident in his hitting ability. This was because many of his batted balls during batting practice had a higher launch angle than the powerful line drives he typically aims for at second base. However, after Song Ji-man and Mo Chang-min coaches advised him, "There is nothing wrong with it; just swing as you normally do," Moon Jeong-bin was able to step into the batter's box with much greater ease.

Moon Jeong-bin was not satisfied with the bases-loaded home run. In the bottom of the seventh inning with no outs and runners on first and third, he hit a two-run double to left-center field, bringing his RBI total to five, a career high for a single game. He is increasingly showing himself worthy of his new spot as the fourth hitter in the lineup.

However, Moon Jeong-bin drew a line by saying, "I still consider our team's No. 4 batter to be my senior, Moon Bo-kyung. He is truly an excellent hitter." She emphasized that she tries not to worry about any pressure, noting that her senior always tells her encouraging words, urging her to hit without feeling burdened.

He then added, "I thought I had six RBIs, but it was recorded as an error, so I'm a bit disappointed. It would have been nice to record one more RBI... But still, getting five RBIs makes me really happy," he said with a bright smile.

LG's Moon Jeong-bin is seen running around the field after hitting his first career bases-loaded home run in the bottom of the fifth inning with one out and bases loaded during a game against KT at Jamsil on the 18th. /Photo=LG Twins provided
LG's Moon Jeong-bin is seen running around the field after hitting his first career bases-loaded home run in the bottom of the fifth inning with one out and bases loaded during a game against KT at Jamsil on the 18th. /Photo=LG Twins provided

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*This content was translated by AI.

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