Austin Dean of the LG Twins has shattered the team’s single-season home run record, launching his 39th homer of the year. This significant achievement came during a crucial game where the Twins secured a vital victory against the Samsung Lions, bolstering their playoff aspirations.
Dean’s Historic Home Run Powers Twins Victory
The game, held in Daegu, saw the LG Twins defeat the Samsung Lions with a final score of 13-5. Austin Dean’s record-breaking blast was a pivotal moment in the contest. In the bottom of the fourth inning, with runners on first and second, Dean connected with a 147 km/h fastball from Samsung pitcher Yang Chang-seop, sending it over the left-field fence for a three-run shot. This marked his 39th home run of the season, surpassing the previous record of 38 set by Roberto Ramos in 2020.
Dean’s power display didn’t end there. Following a consecutive-game home run performance the previous day, he has hit three home runs in just two days. He is now just one home run behind the league leader, Kim Do-young of the KIA Tigers, who has 40 homers.
LG Twins’ Offensive Barrage
The Twins’ offense was in full force throughout the game. They extended their lead in the fifth inning with two more runs. Oh Ji-hwan further solidified the victory with solo home runs in the seventh and eighth innings, capping off a dominant offensive performance. In total, the LG lineup amassed 14 hits against the Samsung pitching staff.
Im Chan-gyu Secures 14th Win
LG’s starting pitcher, Im Chan-gyu, also delivered a strong performance, earning his 14th win of the season. Despite giving up a two-run home run to Park Seung-gyu in the first inning, Im settled down and pitched effectively. He managed to hold the Lions to four runs on seven hits and six strikeouts over seven innings, demonstrating resilience and control.
With this victory, Im Chan-gyu joins Choi Min-seok of the Doosan Bears as co-leaders in wins, both with 14 victories. This marks a significant milestone for Im in his pitching career.
Samsung Lions’ Struggles
The Samsung Lions faced a difficult outing. Their starting pitcher, Choi Won-tae, was removed early in the game after giving up four runs in just 3.1 innings. The bullpen also struggled to contain the Twins’ potent offense, contributing to the lopsided score. While Park Seung-gyu hit his first career two-homer game, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
Other Game Highlights
KT Wiz Maintain Winning Streak
In Suwon, the KT Wiz continued their impressive run, defeating the Lotte Giants 5-2 for their sixth consecutive win. Starting pitcher So Hyeong-jun earned his eighth win of the season, pitching six innings and allowing only two runs. He is set to join the Asian Games national team after this performance. Sam Hilliard contributed with his 34th two-run homer, and Park Gyeong-hyeon recorded his 27th save.
Doosan Bears Solidify Fifth Place
At Jamsil, the Doosan Bears defeated the NC Dinos 9-2, maintaining their fifth-place standing in the league. This win helped Doosan extend their lead over NC to three games. Choi Min-seok, also preparing to join the Asian Games team, picked up his 14th win, tying Im Chan-gyu for the league lead. Kim Min-seok, Yu Gyeong-cheol, and Yang Eui-ji also contributed with home runs for the Bears.
KIA Tigers Secure Victory, Kim Do-young Reaches Milestones
In Gwangju, the KIA Tigers beat the Hanwha Eagles 9-2. Kim Do-young was a standout performer, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, reaching 100 RBIs for the season. He also achieved the rare feat of 40 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 100 runs scored in a single season, becoming the youngest player in KBO history to do so. Starting pitcher Sriracha earned his fourth win, allowing two runs over five innings with eight strikeouts.
The LG Twins’ victory, highlighted by Austin Dean’s record-breaking performance and Im Chan-gyu’s pitching prowess, significantly impacts the league standings as teams vie for playoff positions. Dean’s new home run record adds another chapter to the LG Twins’ history.
