In a tense Jamsil showdown, LG Twins outfielder Kim Jae-hwan delivered a pivotal performance, smashing a massive home run and nearly adding another to secure a 4-3 win over the SSG Landers on April 11.
Game-Changing Blast in the Seventh
Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh with one out, Kim Jae-hwan crushed a 125-meter grand slam off SSG starter Woo Kwang-hoon’s 151 km/h fastball. The blast, with a 31-degree launch angle and 165 km/h exit velocity, flipped the score and shifted momentum firmly to LG.
Kim Jae-hwan, serving as the designated hitter for the fifth time that season, showcased his raw power. SSG had already witnessed his explosiveness in prior matchups, making this hit a familiar yet devastating blow.
Dramatic Ninth-Inning Escape
Leading 4-3 in the top of the ninth with two outs, SSG mounted a threat. Kim Jae-hwan’s deep fly to left field had SSG manager Lee Sung-yong and others convinced it would leave the park. ‘The moment it was hit, I thought it sailed over,’ Lee said. ‘If it tied the game, we had plans in place for the next moves.’
Left fielder Hong Ui-kwan made a crucial grab at the wall, preserving the lead. LG closer Jo Chae-an, who pitched a scoreless eighth, reflected: ‘It looked gone right off the bat. Home runs at Jamsil are tough.’
SSG’s maximum-distance batted ball of the game died at the warning track, underscoring LG’s resilience.
Proving His Worth Beyond the Contract
The 18-year veteran, who joined LG via free agency from Doosan on a two-year, 22 billion won deal, silenced doubters. Doosan fans initially lamented his departure, but LG coach Chin Hwa-jeok praised his poise: ‘He’s delivering in the clutch.’
Kim Jae-hwan’s heroics extend his hit streak to three games against Doosan, including recent home runs at his former home stadium. As LG eyes continued success, his consistent production solidifies his role as a cornerstone hitter.
