KIA Tigers star Kim Do-young fell short of hitting his 40th home run of the season in the team’s 11th game against the KT Wiz on October 5th. The 23-year-old outfielder finished the game 0-for-4 with one walk, marking five consecutive games without a home run. Despite Kim’s personal milestone being postponed, the Tigers secured a 6-3 victory. His pursuit of the 40-homer mark will now extend to the season’s final game on October 6th.
Kim Do-young’s Performance and Season Milestone
Kim Do-young, a prominent player for the KIA Tigers, has been a consistent offensive force throughout the season. His quest for 40 home runs has captivated fans, with many anticipating a dramatic conclusion to his season. In the October 5th game against the KT Wiz, Kim was positioned as the third batter in the lineup. Manager Lee Beom-ho opted to use Kim as a designated hitter, a strategic move aimed at managing his player’s physical condition while still allowing him to contribute offensively. This decision allowed Byun Woo-hyuk to play third base.
The opposing pitcher for the KT Wiz was Logan Allen, a formidable opponent who had previously shown strength against the Tigers. In last year’s matchups, Allen performed well, and this season, he presented a significant challenge to Kim Do-young. Despite the anticipation surrounding Kim’s potential to hit a home run, Allen’s strategic pitching effectively contained him during their encounters on October 5th.
Key At-Bats and Missed Opportunities
Kim Do-young’s first at-bat came in the first inning with two outs. He adopted an aggressive approach from the start, but ultimately struck out swinging after fouling off two pitches. The pitch was described as being thrown directly at his body.
In the third inning, with runners on first and second and two outs, Kim had another opportunity. However, Allen intentionally walked him, setting up a force play. Later in the same inning, with the score tied 3-3 and a runner on third, Kim hit a ground ball on the first pitch, which unfortunately resulted in a foul fly ball, ending his at-bat.
His final at-bat occurred in the seventh inning against new KT Wiz pitcher Kim Jeong-woon. The initial pitches were called balls, appearing to be outside the strike zone. However, the umpire’s call was a strike, putting Kim in a difficult situation. He battled through the full count, swinging hard at the seventh pitch in a chain-action swing. The ball rolled in front of the infielder, but it was ultimately fielded, preventing a potential hit. This concluded his plate appearances for the game without a hit.
Reflecting on Previous Near Misses
The frustration of missing the 40th home run was palpable, especially considering a near-homer in the previous game. In the bottom of the third inning of the game prior to October 5th, Kim hit a powerful drive that traveled over the left-field fence. The ball was clocked at an impressive 174.45 km/h off the bat. It appeared destined to clear the stadium, but it was caught on the fly just before reaching the fence. The launch angle was recorded at 18.1 degrees, a mere fraction of a degree lower than what would have resulted in a home run.
This near-homer elicited groans from the crowd in Gwangju, highlighting the collective anticipation for Kim’s milestone. The near-miss underscored how close he was to achieving the significant mark.
Looking Ahead to the Season Finale
With only one game remaining in the regular season, Kim Do-young has one final opportunity to reach the 40-home run milestone. The upcoming game on October 6th against the KT Wiz presents his last chance to set this new record. He is expected to have approximately four to five plate appearances, providing him with ample opportunities to connect for a home run.
The opposing pitcher for the KT Wiz in the season finale is scheduled to be David Daniel. While not known for overwhelming power, Daniel is recognized for his control and his ability to effectively utilize high and low pitch zones. This presents a different challenge for Kim Do-young compared to facing a power pitcher.
The question remains whether Kim Do-young can deliver a dramatic, season-ending performance against a pitcher like Daniel. The outcome is uncertain, with only time and the game itself able to reveal whether he will achieve his 40th home run in the final act of the season.
