"I want to show this kind of game until the very end." Even without Moon Bo-kyung, 'zero gaps'... After a four-game losing streak, three straight wins follow; LG's season is not over yet.

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins, who had fallen into a four-game losing streak and faced uncertainty even in third place, have revived themselves. Despite the variable of being called up for the 2026 Aichi·Nagoya Asian Games (AG) representative team, no gaps were visible.

On the 15th, LG defeated NC Dinos 3-2 in a regular-season away game at Changwon NC Park in Gyeongnam as part of the 2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League. With three consecutive wins, third-place LG improved to 71 wins, 1 tie, and 55 losses. The gap with second-place Samsung Lions narrowed to five games.

Just a few days ago, the mood was completely opposite. Last week, LG fell into a four-game losing streak after being defeated consecutively by Samsung, Kiwoom Heroes, and Hanwha Eagles. At one point, the gap with the top team widened to seven games, while the difference from fourth place was only 0.5 games. Rather than chasing second place, they were even worried about holding onto third.

The turnaround began in Daegu. On the 12th, Samsung and LG engaged in a high-scoring battle with each team recording 12 and 10 hits respectively, and LG secured a one-run victory. Austin Dean (33) led the win by hitting his 37th and 38th home runs of the season consecutively. LG shifted the momentum by defeating Samsung back-to-back in Daegu, and they carried that momentum forward to Changwon as well.

This time, it was defensive focus rather than powerful hitting that shone, making it even more meaningful. This was the first game played after players were called up for the AG representative team. LG was without starting third baseman Moon Bo-kyung (26) and ace reliever Kim Young-woo (21). The absence of Moon Bo-kyung, who is responsible for power hitting in the heart of the lineup, seemed particularly significant. However, Yeom Kyung-yeop (58), LG's manager, selected Koo Bon-hyuk (29) as his first choice to fill Moon's third-base vacancy, and Koo filled the gap in his own way.

Starting at sixth batter and third base, Koo Bon-hyuk went 0-for-4 with no hits. Instead, he made his presence felt with his glove. In the bottom of the fifth inning, with LG leading 2-0, NC created a one-out opportunity with runners on first and third through Cheon Jae-hwan's double and Kim Hyung-jun's grounder. Although a single run could have changed the momentum, Kwon Hee-dong's sharp line drive was caught by Koo Bon-hyuk's glove. Then, Choi Jeong-won's grounder was handled by first baseman Moon Jung-bin, preventing any runs from scoring.

In the sixth inning, captain Oh Ji-hwan (36) came into play. After two outs, Kim Hwi-jip and Park Geon-woo drew consecutive walks to load the bases with runners on first and second. Ahn Joong-yeol hit a sharp line drive off Go Woo-seok (28)'s fastball that landed perfectly between the shortstop and left fielder. At a moment when the momentum could have completely shifted, Oh Ji-hwan chased the ball all the way behind his head and made the catch.

After the game, Oh Ji-hwan reflected: "It was a situation where the momentum could have easily turned against us. I chased the ball to the end, and fortunately, it landed in my glove, allowing us to escape the crisis."

The highlight came in the eighth inning. After LG fell behind 3-2 following a two-run home run by Blaine Crim, they faced a one-out situation with runners on first and third. A single would have tied the game. However, the mutual trust and chemistry of LG's young duo shone brightly. When Seo Ho-cheol struck out swinging, catcher Lee Ju-heon (23) immediately threw to third base. Oh Tae-sun, who was far from the base, hurriedly returned, but Koo Bon-hyuk's tag was quick. In an instant, two outs were recorded and the inning ended.

This play was not pre-planned. Koo Bon-hyuk and Lee Ju-heon understood each other with just a glance. Koo said, "Actually, after last Sunday's game, I treated (Lee) Ju-heon to a meal. Perhaps something clicked from that moment and carried over into today's game." He added with a smile, "I really gave him a look, and he said he received it. We had agreed that if there was a strikeout swinging, we would throw to third base unconditionally. I'm glad I treated him to that meal."

Manager Yeom highlighted defensive focus as the driving force behind 's victory. He stated, "In the sixth-inning crisis, Oh Ji-hwan's excellent defense and Lee Ju-heon's strong throw in the eighth inning helped us secure the out at third base, leading to our win. I want to praise Oh Ji-hwan and Lee Ju-heon for showing focus during critical moments."

Moon Bo-kyung's absence was also filled in this manner. Koo Bon-hyuk emphasized, "(Moon) Bo-kyung can hit home runs and power hits better than I can. However, I will focus more on defense and executing strategies, which are my strengths."

This is exactly what has changed since the four-game losing streak. Reflecting on the two-game series against Samsung last weekend, Koo said, "Those games were really significant. Since they were teams directly above us in the standings, players were fired up and eager to win, and the games themselves were incredibly exciting. It seems that same energy carried over today." He continued, "The team's mood is great. I thought today's game would be fun, and it certainly flowed that way. Players are tense every moment, but fans must have enjoyed it too."

Although they wavered briefly, they are now on a three-game winning streak. Even as the mood dipped and strength seemed to fade, LG began filling those gaps together. They insist their season is not over yet. Koo Bon-hyuk said, "When our team plays well, that kind of defensive focus always emerges. Winning games like this helps us build momentum, which is our strength. As we entered the second half, such games became harder to come by, and the team struggled. But I want to show as many games like this until the very end."

Oh Ji-hwan shared the same sentiment. He expressed, "As the season nears its end, both I and our teammates are giving our all. I hope fans will continue to support us until the final game."

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*This content was translated by AI.