The KIA Tigers are facing a crisis.
Power hitters Kim Do-young and Park Min have both sustained injuries, disrupting KIA's lineup.
In particular, Kim Do-young's participation in the Asian Games is now uncertain, which could significantly impact his career.
KIA lost 4-5 to NC in a game held on September 9 at Gwangju Kia Champions Field.
They have struggled against NC this season, with a record of 2 wins and 10 losses against them.
The injury woes began in the fourth inning when Kim Do-young attempted a surprise bunt and was hit in the face by the ball. Medical examinations revealed a fractured nose.
Park Min replaced Kim Do-young but was also injured, dislocating his shoulder during the top of the eighth inning while playing defense.
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, KIA is engaged in a fierce battle for rankings, and the injuries to both players have left a significant gap in their roster. The treatment methods and recovery times are variables, but it is clear that these injuries will have a major impact on KIA's remaining games.
Another concern is the Asian Games. Kim Do-young was selected for the national baseball team for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which begin on September 19.
However, with his recent injury, his participation is now in doubt. If South Korea wins a gold medal at the Asian Games, he could be exempted from military service, as the country is considered a strong contender for the title.
In the game on September 9, KIA's starting pitcher Hwang Dong-hyun struggled early, allowing three runs on three hits over 2.1 innings. He recorded three earned runs, one walk, one strikeout, and two home runs before leaving the mound.
Reliever Kim Tae-hyung also had a tough outing, pitching 3.2 innings and giving up three hits and two runs, along with one walk, two strikeouts, and one home run.
KIA managed to close the gap to one run with a second solo home run from Ha Joo-seok in the fifth inning and created a final opportunity in the ninth. With Lee Ho-yeon hitting a single and Park Jae-hyun drawing an intentional walk, KIA had two outs with runners on first and second.
However, Byeon Woo-hyeok popped out to the second baseman, and KIA was unable to complete the comeback, ultimately losing 4-5.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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