KIA Tigers secured a commanding 6-0 victory over KT Wiz in the second game of a doubleheader at Gwangju Kia Champions Field. Ace pitcher Hwang Dong-ha delivered a masterful performance, tossing seven scoreless innings, while designated hitter Park Jae-hyun ignited the offense with four hits, including two home runs.
Hwang Dong-ha’s Dominant Outing
Hwang Dong-ha showcased career-best form, striking out eight batters over seven innings without allowing a run. He permitted just four hits and navigated around four walks, marking his longest outing since his rookie season in 2022. In the seventh inning, he induced two quick outs on changeups before securing the final out with back-to-back strikeouts, preserving the shutout.
Despite the lopsided score, Hwang maintained sharp focus throughout. His rhythm, bolstered by catcher Kim Tae-gun’s precise leads, prevented any scoring threats from KT. This gem highlighted Hwang’s growth as a reliable starter for KIA.
Park Jae-hyun’s Offensive Explosion
Leading off the lineup, Park Jae-hyun tormented KT pitching with four hits in a single game, including his second and third home runs of the season. His power surge created the biggest lead-off homer of the game in the sixth inning, widening the gap significantly. Park’s timely production complemented Hwang’s mound work, ensuring the shutout win.
Manager Lee Bum-ho Praises Key Contributors
Following the game, KIA manager Lee Bum-ho expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “This was a game where we didn’t need to push Hwang Dong-ha or Park Jae-hyun into high gear for the victory,” he stated.
Lee elaborated on Hwang’s excellence: “Hwang delivered his peak stuff. His strikeout command was strong, and reaching seven innings despite imperfect control provided huge momentum. It was his best start recently, thanks to Kim Tae-gun’s effective leads. The battery’s synergy was spot-on.”
On Park’s impact, Lee added: “Park Jae-hyun’s lead-off homer forced KT into damage control, while Kim Sun-bin’s better timely hits in crucial situations widened the margin. Even in a dominant win, his contributions boosted team momentum.”
Lee also acknowledged the crowd: “Gwangju fans’ passion fuels our series wins. Thank you, and we’ll deliver another strong performance tomorrow.”
Record Attendance Boosts Atmosphere
The contest lasted one hour and 30 minutes, drawing 25,000 spectators starting at 3:30 p.m.—the eighth sellout at the venue this season. Thrilled KIA supporters celebrated the sweep of the doubleheader, underscoring the electric home-field energy.
