The "7.8 billion won FA" who washed away the humiliation of just one home run in the first half exploded with 4 home runs and 10 games as the weather cooled, saying, "I still need to go higher."

*This content was translated by AI.

As the cool autumn breeze began to blow, the "slugger instinct" finally woke up completely. Yang Seok-hwan (35), an infielder known as the "7.8 billion won FA," who managed only one home run in the first half and suffered a blow to his pride, is now leading the team's lineup with terrifying power hitting as the season nears its end.

On the 22nd, Yang Seok-hwan started at first base and batted sixth in the away game against Kiwoom Heroes at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome, recording one hit (one home run) in three at-bats, one walk, and one RBI, helping secure a valuable 5-3 victory for his team.

The decisive blow came in the bottom of the 8th inning. With Doosan holding a shaky 4-1 lead and no outs with no runners on base, Yang Seok-hwan stepped up as the leadoff batter. Facing Kiwoom pitcher Lee Kang-jun, he connected perfectly with a 148 km/h fastball on the fourth pitch of a 2-1 count. The well-struck ball soared over the left-center field fence for a 115-meter solo home run. As Kiwoom mounted a fierce comeback attempt, Yang Seok-hwan's clutch shot that extended the lead from 4-1 to 5-1 proved to be the game-deciding hit. It was his fifth home run of the season.

Especially remarkable is his recent pace. Following his previous game (against KT on the 20th), Yang Seok-hwan has now hit home runs in two consecutive games, smashing a total of four home runs in just the last 10 games.

Ahead of the 2024 season, Yang Seok-hwan signed a major contract with Doosan worth up to 7.8 billion won (2 billion won signing bonus, 3.9 billion won total salary over four years, 600 million won in incentives, and an additional 1.3 billion won for the following two years). This season, he endured injuries and hitting slumps throughout the first half, managing only one home run — a regrettable outcome that he has now swiftly erased with this explosive power surge. With the race for postseason tickets reaching its peak, the resurgence of his team's central batter is even more valuable. Yang Seok-hwan, who managed just one home run in 31 games during the first half, has now hit four home runs in 12 games.

After the game, Yang Seok-hwan expressed relief that his team broke its losing streak rather than focusing on his personal statistics. He said, "It was a really intense game, and I'm happy we ended the losing streak and secured the victory."

Regarding the home run that sealed the game, he offered a calm reflection. Yang Seok-hwan stated, "(At the time of the home run) we needed more runs, so I focused on making strong contact to get on base," and humbly added, "I think it just went over the fence by luck." Doosan manager Kim Won-hyeong (54) also noted, "It was a valuable home run that came at a crucial moment and proved decisive."

Although his recent 10-game performance with four home runs and two consecutive multi-home run games shows a clear upward trajectory in his batting pace, his eyes remain fixed on even higher goals. Yang Seok-hwan said, "My hitting feel has been improving gradually since my return, but I believe there's still more room to grow," refusing to ease up. He further added, "There are still regular-season games left ahead. I will do my best in the role given to me for the team's victory."

He also did not forget to greet the fans who filled the third-base stands at the away stadium. Yang Seok-hwan said, "I sincerely thank the fans who cheered loudly for us today as well. I will show you a good game tomorrow," responding to their enthusiastic cheers.

Yang Seok-hwan has shed the humiliation and slump of the first half and restarted his power factory alongside the cool autumn air. As his bat continues to heat up, he is expected to become a major asset for Doosan, whose chances of reaching the postseason are growing stronger.

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*This content was translated by AI.