Kia Tigers star hitter Kim Do-young will bat second in the opening game.
Manager Lee Beom-ho announced the starting lineup for the 2025 professional baseball season opener against the NC Dinos on the 22nd at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field.
The lineup includes Park Chan-ho (shortstop), Kim Do-young (third base), Na Sung-bum (right field), Patrick Wisdom (first base), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Kim Sun-bin (second base), Lee Woo-sung (left field), Kim Tae-gun (catcher), and Choi Won-jun (center field). The starting pitcher is ace James Neile.
The lineup that featured Kim Do-young batting second in the exhibition games has been carried over to the season opener. "I think the offense comes alive when Kim Do-young bats second," the manager noted. Following Kim Do-young, Na Sung-bum, Wisdom, and Choi Hyung-woo are arranged in a zigzag formation.
Kim Do-young dominated the KBO League last season, winning the regular season MVP. This year, he is challenging again for 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases, an accomplishment he could not achieve last year. He is expected to be a key player influencing scoring with his power, precision, and speedy baserunning skills.
He showcased a high-level batting average of .467 with 7 hits in 15 at-bats during the exhibition games. Although he did not hit any home runs, he did record 3 doubles and 1 triple.
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