LG Twins foreign hitter Austin Dean, who was ejected for protesting the ball decision, made up for his disappointment with a large home run.
LG won 8-4 in the 14th game of the season against Kiwoom Heroes of the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 12th, winning 4 consecutive wins and securing the winning series. LG, the first to reach 60 wins in the league this season, recorded 60 wins, 2 draws and 35 losses (0.632).메이저사이트
On the mound, starting pitcher Choi Won-tae and the team’s key reliever pitchers Ham Deok-joo and Kim Jin-seong stood out, while on the other line, along with Shin Min-jae, Austin’s performance shone. Austin, who started as a fourth hitter and first baseman, went 1 at bat (1 home run), 2 RBIs and 3 walks, and succeeded in reaching base four times.
In particular, at the end of the 5th inning, when the team was leading 3-2, Kiwoom starter Ian McKinney’s first pitch changeup was hit with 2nd out and 1st base, drawing a large two-run arch over the left fence.
Austin’s 14th home run of the season this season. LG widened the gap thanks to Austin’s home run, and LG coach Yeom Kyung-yeop also praised, “When the team needed an extra point, Austin’s two-run four came out and we were able to solve the game a little more leisurely.”
After the game, Austin joked, “I came to see the video, but it’s a pity that it didn’t go outside the field.” I also liked that part because I put a wedge in getting it. I think it was the best home run I’ve ever hit,” he expressed satisfaction.
In a game against Kiwoom on the 11th, Austin strongly protested the ball decision at the end of the 6th inning, was ejected, and continued protesting for a while by throwing his helmet and bat. Austin, who rarely expresses dissatisfaction with the judgment, was surprised by everyone who watched him. Unable to enter the dugout, he greeted the players in the locker room and expressed his gratitude and apology.
“Above all, I was so happy to be able to contribute to the team’s victory in the game, and I was satisfied that I was able to help like this,” said Austin, who was carrying a burden in his heart. I got angry and supported on behalf of the players, but I continued to watch the game in the locker room, prayed for victory, and was proud of the victory. I was really happy when Kim Hyun-soo hit a home run. I was so happy that my teammates filled my vacancy.” I looked back on the situation at the time.
Austin, who had been on the rise until last month, slowed down a bit compared to the first half, with a batting average in the 10% range this month. He said, “It’s been a while since I’ve been playing full-time like this for the past three years as a backup, so there’s nothing difficult. Also, I only had two days off during the All-Star break, so it was a little difficult to recover my stamina.” , I can’t make excuses because I have to contribute to the team again. My main goal is to digest the season until the end. Baseball is long,” he said.
While LG stepped on the 60-win high with this game, Austin’s goal is also to win. He said, “I am in a very important position because I am a foreign player and first baseman in the team, and the strength of our team is that even if someone is missing, someone can fill in and do well.” I want to digest the rest of the season while continuing to show good performances.”