LG Twins designated hitter Moon Bo-kyung endured a tough outing, going hitless in three at-bats during a 7-0 defeat to the KIA Tigers at Jamsil Stadium on March 31.
Key Struggles in Critical Moments
Moon, batting fourth for LG, struck out looking in pivotal situations. In the second inning, he fanned on a slider from KIA starter Yang Hyeon-jong. Later, in the fourth with two on base, he whiffed again on three pitches. Trailing 0-7 in the seventh, Moon came up as the No. 2 hitter but grounded into a double play, ending the threat as catcher Park Dong-won was caught stealing second earlier.
Trainers examined Moon’s swing, confirming heavy hands from his recent home run. He pinch-hit for a run in the third but flew out to right. LG staff checked his form, sending him to the bench with pinch-runner Lee Young-bin and trading spots with Austin.
“Moon’s swing felt heavy from yesterday’s homer. He needs timing tweaks during at-bats, but no lineup changes planned,” an LG official stated.
Batting Adjustments and Team Response
On April 1 at Jamsil, LG hitters—including Moon Seong-ju, Park Hae-min, Hong Chang-ki, Lee Jae-won, and Park Dong-won—conducted extra batting practice after afternoon sessions. They moved to the cages for focused reps.
Moon’s Recent Form Challenges
Moon impressed in World Baseball Classic qualifiers against Japan but faltered upon returning to LG. He required rest before rejoining the lineup. Despite a hitless spring outing on March 26-27, he started as designated hitter in the Gyeonggi Futures League.
KIA’s lineup remains potent, with Yang Hyeon-jong dominating. Veteran Moon rarely strikes out but adds power. In three at-bats, Austin posted a strong .111 average (1-for-9), while Cheon Seong-ho (1-for-1, 2 BB) bolsters the Tigers’ offense alongside Lee Jae-won.
