Lotte Giants outfielder Son Ho-young delivered a pinch-hit home run in the first inning, powering his team to a 6-1 victory over the KIA Tigers in Gwangju on April 24.
Son entered as a substitute batter against KIA starter Kim Han-hol, a fifth-round rookie making his first professional appearance and first-team call-up. The blast marked a strong response following a minor hamstring strain diagnosis.
Injury Update and Performance
A team official explained, “Son Ho-young underwent a thorough check at Samsung Medical Center on April 23, confirming a minor hamstring injury. Recovery should take about a week, so he was held out of the starting lineup for careful management but still pinch-hit safely.”
Prior to the injury, Son posted a .174 average (8-for-46) with two home runs, three RBIs, and a .639 OPS over 20 games. His timely power surge helped snap Lotte’s two-game skid after a 0-1 loss to the Doosan Bears on April 23, which ended a home winning streak.
Son struggled early with average contact through three innings but capitalized in the fourth, finding his rhythm despite the cautious approach.
Lineup and Key Contributors
Manager Kim Tae-hyung deployed the following lineup: Han Tae-yang (2B), No Jin-hyuk (1B), Victor Reyes (RF), Han Dong-hui (3B), Jeon Jun-woo (DH), Yu Kang-nam (C), Shin Yun-hu (CF), Son Seong-bin (1B? Wait, positions adjusted), Jeon Min-jae (SS).
Shortstop Jeon Min-jae shone brightest, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Kim praised the lineup decisions, stating, “The momentum from yesterday’s game created a fresh sense of confidence. Many choices paid off, especially timing the front of the order with Reyes, Jeon Jun-woo, and No Jin-hyuk. We need to keep pushing forward. Experience matters, but pro-level play demands the best results every time. This is how we handle such situations—no different mindset required.”
Kim added about Jeon, “Min-jae needs to hit like that. Son Seong-bin stepped up too, but Min-jae carried the load.”
