'50 Home Runs' Hit Samsung Foreign Player Now Soars to 21st HR and 2nd in RBI: "It's been a tough season, but..."

*This content was translated by AI.

Perhaps due to the weight of last season's overwhelming performance of '50 home runs and 158 RBIs,' Diaz appeared somewhat subdued compared to this season's expectations, but his class remained unshaken. Samsung Lions foreign player Lewin Diaz hit his 21st home run of the season, moving into sole second place in RBI in the league. He has clearly shown improvement since the second half of the season.

On the 27th, during an away game against Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome located in Guro-gu, Seoul, Diaz stepped up to the plate with two outs and bases loaded while Samsung led 4-0 in the bottom of the 6th inning. With a count of one ball and one strike, he connected with the third pitch from opposing pitcher Won Jong-hyun—a high 137 km/h slider—and launched it over the right-field fence for a massive 130-meter bases-loaded home run.

Diaz sealed the victory with that home run and added a significant two-run double in the 8th inning, going 2-for-5 with five RBIs to lead Samsung to a decisive 15-2 win and a four-game winning streak. With his 21st home run of the season now recorded, Diaz reached 102 RBIs, surpassing KT Wiz's Heilhard (99 RBIs), who missed the game due to maternity leave, to take sole second place in the RBI category. He trails first-place LG Twins' Austin Dean (109 RBIs) by seven RBIs.

After the game, Diaz said, "I'm truly happy. This is a very important time where every game matters, and my teammates have consistently done their part, leading to team victories, which makes me even happier," as he smiled brightly.

Regarding the home run at-bat that sealed the day's victory, Diaz cited strict mental control as his secret. He explained, "I tried not to overthink while standing at the plate. I was frustrated and disappointed after fouling off a pitch and hitting a line drive in my previous at-bat, but thinking too much can hinder batting. Focusing only on one good pitch coming into the zone led to this great result."

Samsung manager Park Jin-man (50) also smiled when commenting on Diaz's home run: "We needed extra runs at that moment, and when Diaz hit a bases-loaded home run with two outs in the 6th inning, he completely shifted the momentum of the game."

Diaz did not hide the high expectations and accompanying pressure he has faced throughout the season. He said, "This has been a personally difficult season for me, and I am truly grateful to the fans who have given their unwavering support in every game. Not just for me, but for our entire team, their passionate encouragement has given us great strength," expressing his sincere gratitude.

Even ahead of a crucial weekend three-game series against KT Wiz, which could become a turning point in the tight standings race, Diaz delivered a weighty message. He stated, "The more I think we must win no matter what, the heavier the burden becomes, and ironically, results often go the opposite way. We need to let go of excessive pressure and focus on each scoring opportunity in every game. If we continue calmly as we have been doing, we can maintain a positive momentum."

Diaz has shaken off the shadow of his dazzling previous-year record and once again proven his instinct as a problem-solver. His presence since the second half of the season is clearly revitalized, earning him praise that "there is still no foreign player like this one."

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*This content was translated by AI.