OPS over 1.049 plus a .300 hitter as a pinch-hitter! This is why KT is in first place... The presence of Jang Jin-hyuk, acknowledged even by Lee Kang-cheol: "Now I want to use him too" [Suwon Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

KT Wiz manager Lee Kang-cheol (60) has been beaming with smiles recently due to Jang Jin-hyuk's (33) outstanding performances.

KT is set to face LG Twins in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season home game at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the afternoon of the 18th at 6:30 p.m.

On this day, KT's lineup was arranged as follows: Choi Won-jun (center fielder), Kim Min-hyuk (designated hitter), Ahn Hyun-min (right fielder), Sam Hilliard (left fielder), Kim Hyun-soo (first baseman), Kim Sang-su (second baseman), Heo Kyung-min (third baseman), Han Seung-taek (catcher), and Kwon Dong-jin (shortstop). Logan Allen was named the starting pitcher.

Facing LG's right-handed starter Anders Tollhurst (27), KT placed five left-handed batters in the lineup. However, what stands out is Jang Jin-hyuk, who is not on the starting roster but has been hitting exceptionally well recently.

In 54 games this season, Jang Jin-hyuk has posted a .313 batting average (15 hits in 48 at-bats), three home runs, 10 RBIs, an on-base percentage of 0.424, a slugging percentage of 0.625, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.049. Notably, his batting average as a pinch-hitter stands at .417, and he has been particularly hot in his last 10 games with a .571 average (4 hits in 7 at-bats). Even with limited plate appearances, he has recorded two doubles, one triple, and driven in three runs.

It's not just about the numbers; Jang Jin-hyuk has shown his presence at crucial moments. On the 27th against Doosan Bears, he stepped up as the leadoff hitter in the bottom of the 11th extra inning and hit a walk-off home run off Lee Yong-chan for his first career game-winning homer. This was a decisive blow that helped KT secure back-to-back walk-off victories and maintain their top position.

He was not in the starting lineup for the game against Hanwha on the 3rd either. However, he appeared as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the fifth inning with one out and a runner on first base, hitting a tying two-run triple. In the game against Hanwha on the 16th, he went 2-for-2 with two doubles, and later stepped up as the leadoff hitter in the top of the 11th extra inning, hitting a double down the left-center field gap to create a scoring opportunity.

And yet, Jang Jin-hyuk starts the day on the bench. Ironically, this scene reflects why KT is currently leading the league. They pull out a .300 hitter with an OPS over 1.000 at precisely the moment they need him most. Manager Lee Kang-cheol (60) of KT has placed significant value on Jang Jin-hyuk's utilization.

Before today's game, Manager Lee stated, "When we need a big hit with runners on base, I want to use Jang Jin-hyuk. If he gets a hit, there's still strength left in the lineup afterward. He has improved significantly since then and gained confidence. So now, I want to use him more." He added, "Using him this way increases his utility. He can handle both defense and base running. Anyone who can do those things will definitely stay in the lineup."

KT is currently on a seven-game winning streak, sitting atop the standings with 76 wins, four draws, and 46 losses. They have extended their lead over second-place Samsung Lions to 2.5 games. Meanwhile, rival LG also sits in third place with 72 wins, one draw, and 55 losses after a four-game winning streak, making today's matchup a direct clash between two teams on upward trajectories. This game also marks the final meeting between the two teams this season. So far, KT holds a commanding 10-5 record against LG.

The starting pitchers are Logan Allen (29) for KT and Tollhurst for LG. Allen has recorded six wins and three losses with an ERA of 2.97 in 13 games, while Tollhurst has 11 wins and nine losses with an ERA of 4.19 in 25 games. Tollhurst has been on a hot streak recently, posting an ERA of 1.48 over his last four games. Regarding the remaining battle for first place, Manager Lee remarked, "The period from now until next week will be quite critical," but added, "As long as we play well, that's all that matters. It would be nice if someone else helps us, but there's no guarantee they will."

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*This content was translated by AI.