"Kyungmin is the best in reality." Iron man 2 hits and 3 RBIs show of force → A cold diagnosis of steel magic

"Kyungmin is the best in reality." Iron man 2 hits and 3 RBIs show of force → A cold diagnosis of steel magic

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KT Wiz infielder Hwang Jae-kyun staged a show of force in front of manager Lee Kang-chul.스포츠토토

Hwang started as sixth batter and third baseman at a home game against the Doosan Bears in the exhibition game of the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League held at KT Wiz Park in Suwon on Sunday, and posted two hits and three RBIs in three times at bat. As the game was canceled on Friday, the game became the final game of KT's exhibition game.

Did he realize it was the final game? Hwang Jae-gyun showed perfect performance. He finished his first at bat with a timely RBI single to the right-handed side with two outs and runners on the first and second bases in the first inning. He also hit a timely RBI single to the right center in the third inning with two outs and runners on the first and second bases in the fifth inning. He adjusted his batting performance by striking out a runner with two outs in the fifth inning, and completed a three-run game with an RBI sacrifice fly to the center field with one out and runners on the first and third bases in the seventh inning.

He played his part in defense as well. He kept the third base and played a blunderless game throughout the game. Notably, his diving catch that ended the game was the highlight. Park Young-hyun, the closing pitcher, gave up a walk to Lee Yoo-chan with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning when his team was leading 9-6. A big hit leads to one run. A sharp hit by Park Ji-hoon flew towards the third base. Hwang Jae-gyun blew himself up and erased Park Ji-hoon's hit ball. KT ended the game with a victory thanks to this strong defense.

Coach Lee Kang-chul, who met with Hwang on Thursday, said, "It would be good if they do well," but added, "It would be good if they do well. They are like the main backup."

Recently, coach Lee Kang-cheol fixed Hwang's role as a backup to the first and third bases. After recruiting Huh Kyung-min earlier, Hwang prepared for the 2025 season as a utility agent both inside and outside the country. By losing 12 kilograms, he has developed a physical condition that can handle shortstop, second baseman and left fielder. Coach Lee Kang-cheol also experimented by using Hwang in various positions until the beginning of the exhibition game. However, he has recently changed his mind. Deciding to foster young players, Lee said, "I will use Hwang as a backup to the first and third bases."

I could feel Hwang Jae-gyun as a backup. "In reality, (Huh) Kyung-min is the best. Anyway," coach Lee Kang-chul said, nailing the main Heo Kyung-min and backup Hwang Jae-gyun.

Heo Kyung-min is a third baseman who played for the national team in Korea. His batting average is as sophisticated as 0.303. He also played in 115 games last season, recording 129 hits, six homers, 61 RBIs, and a batting average of 0.309 OPS of 0.811. He is also known for his solid defense and accurate play.

Hwang Jae-gyun is also a third baseman who represents the KBO League. He is a five-tool player with 220 home runs and 232 steals in total in the KBO League, and holds the record for 618 consecutive games, the third-highest total in Korean history. He also played for the San Francisco Giants in the U.S. Major League where Lee Jung-hoo plays.

However, he slowed down last season. He played in 137 games and recorded 128 hits, 13 homers, five RBIs, and a batting average of 0.260 OPS of 0.692 OPS. His OPS fell below 0.700 for the first time since he played 0.681 in 2012. His strikeout rate (14.0 → 17.7 percent) and walk rate (9.8 → 6.3 percent) also deteriorated. He kept his position as third baseman for the Wizards for the past seven years, but failed to start the season.

However, the team has made remarkable progress. "We had no single win (in the trial game) in 2019 (in our first year as a vice president). We had one draw and lost all games. We lost all five games in the opening game," coach Lee Kang-chul said. "Now, we have the strength to win if we want to win (in an advantageous situation)."

When the reporters said, "Hwang Jae-gyun has become a backup," he said, "I know. It's gotten a lot better."