LG Twins pitcher Austin delivered a jaw-dropping performance, smashing a home run with an exit velocity of 183.4km/h during a dominant 13-5 victory over the NC Dinos at Jamsil Stadium on May 2.
Dominating Start Against NC
Austin ignited the game as the designated hitter, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, one home run, one sacrifice fly, and five total bases. His efforts powered LG to a decisive win, highlighted by his explosive power at the plate.
In the first inning, facing NC starter’s 148km fastball on a full count, Austin fouled off a pitch before unleashing a towering shot. The blast featured a 20.9-degree launch angle and carried 131.3 meters, marking his second straight multi-game home run streak.
Key Moments and Continued Impact
Austin struck again in the second inning with a RBI single off a hanging breaking ball from NC reliever, extending LG’s lead to 7-3. He added insurance in the third with a sacrifice fly and capped his night in the fifth by connecting on consecutive singles before driving in more runs.
Despite just two home runs this season, Austin’s slicing hit stood out. He followed up in the sixth with a two-run double and nearly added another in the eighth, tagging up on a fly ball but getting thrown out at home.
Post-Game Reflections
Austin reflected, “I felt great on the slicing hit; it wasn’t a mistake. Even on bigger swings, I tried turning them into productive outs by staying focused.”
He added, “In professional baseball, perfect swings are rare, but slicing hits like that build confidence. Nerves exist, but they’re not scary—they add momentum to the team’s lineup, making everything more exciting.”
Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop praised, “Austin perfectly executed with three hits, five RBIs, and one home run, leading the offense.”
Season Surge
Austin boasts a scorching .319 OPS over 119 plate appearances this season, with eight home runs tying for second league-wide, 29 RBIs third, and total bases fourth. His form continues to propel LG forward.
