It was a hot roar that quenched a long thirst. But there was no second one.
Lee Jung-hoo (Kiwoom Heroes), who debuted in 2017, has a career batting average of 30.38. He has never dropped below a 300 batting average in six consecutive years. Last year, he won 5 batting titles and the MVP of the season.
But this year has been a series of hardships. Even in early May, his batting average is only 2.2 2 Lee (26 hits in 117 at-bats). The OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) also fell to the 0.6 level again.
The attitude of Kiwoom coach Hong Won-ki, who said, “I’m not a player to worry about,” has also changed a little. Since May, Lee Jung-hoo has been appointed as the leadoff. The frustration of the command tower is evident.
Coach Hong, whom we met ahead of the game against the LG Twins on the 9th, explained, “It means a fresh start. He hoped that he would hit the base a lot while playing more at-bats.” Regarding whether or not to return to number 3, he added, “I will consider changing the batting order when the record goes up and the overall role division of the players is done. I have left room.”
Lee Jung-hoo was full of confidence until mid-April. He explained, “I don’t have a problem. I’m not having any luck. I’m just shifting. The sluggishness that has always been there is noticeable at the beginning of the season.” He said, “It is meaningless to avoid the shift.
Now my heart is in a hurry Lee Jung-hoo of the world makes a surprise bunt, and there is also a strike aimed at an empty shift seat. Even with a full swing, he has a good vision and is famous for not having a miss, and he misses high balls.
Some point out that the batting form, which was changed in preparation for advancing to the major leagues after the end of last season, is a problem. The aftereffects of the WBC (World Baseball Classic) and the pressure ahead of advancing to the United States are also cited as causes.
Director Hong drew the line, saying, “Only you will know if the batting form is a problem.” However, “It appears in the records that there is something wrong. Whether it is because of the batting form or a psychological problem, you will judge. “, he reiterated. He also expressed his thoughts, “It was a bit embarrassing to put on a bunt. It’s almost the first time I’ve seen it.”
On this day, it seemed that a blunt bat continued. In his first at-bat in the top of the first inning, he fouled out and singled out a walk. However, in the second at-bat, Lee Yong-gyu’s first two runs and three bases cooled the boiling atmosphere with a left fielder’s floating ball, and in the fifth inning, he struck out.
He was different in the top of the 7th when the score was 2-2. Chance of 2nd out, 1st and 2nd base, Lee Jeong-hoo hit a 145km fastball of LG Pilseungjo Lee Jung-yong in the ball count 2-2, creating 2 RBIs and doubles in the right field. Two runners quickly hit home, and Lee Jung-hoo, who stopped at second base, confirmed the home throw and ran to third base to make it safe. He clenched his fists and roared hotly.스포츠토토
The joy was short-lived. At the end of the 8th inning, Kiwoom allowed Park Dong-won of LG to tie the game.
And in the beginning of the ninth inning, Lee Jung-hoo had another chance. After two outs, Yong-gyu Lee’s hit and Lim Ji-yeol’s ball hit the body, and Lee Jung-hoo stood at bat with 2 outs, 1st and 2nd base. The pitcher is rookie Park Myeong-geun. Even at a young age, he is bold enough to be mentioned by LG coach Yeom Gyeong-yeop as a “candidate for the finisher.”
Lee Jung-hoo hit the ball well towards the center fielder, but the 125m Jamsil Fence was too far away. A disappointing ball caught right in front of the wall. If it had been last year, would there have been more exciting results? At the end of the 10th inning of extra time, Kiwoom allowed LG Shin Min-jae a final hit and fell into a 5-game losing streak.
It’s comforting that he’s slowly regaining his sense of hitting. Kiwoom’s lineup looks weaker than last year. Lee Jung-hoo’s shoulders are even heavier.