"No one touched him...".

KIA Tigers veteran Choi Hyung-woo staged a dramatic comeback in the opening game. Even at the age of 42 this year, he showcased his unyielding clutch DNA. He expressed his disappointment over the injury process regarding Kim Do-young.

On the 22nd, he participated in the 2025 professional baseball game against the NC Dinos at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, recording 4 at-bats and 1 hit. The single hit was crucial. It was a 2-RBI game-winning hit.

He appeared as the fifth designated hitter and did not make any solid contact through three at-bats. In the second inning, he struck out swinging against Logan Allen, and in the fourth, he grounded out to the shortstop. In the seventh, he led off with a 3-1 count and launched a big hit, but the center fielder was waiting.

However, he did not miss the opportunity that came in the eighth inning. With Na Sung-bum's game-tying hit and Wisdom's walk, he seized the bases loaded chance and easily connected with NC's Kim Jae-yeol's wild cutter, sending the ball over the center fielder's head.

Two runners crossed home, successfully turning the game around with a score of 4-2. KIA then followed up with Kim Sun-bin's 2-RBI hit and Han Joon-soo's three-run homer, ultimately winning 9-2.

At the age of 42, being interviewed as the hero of the opening game was remarkable. Choi Hyung-woo said, "I went into the plate with excitement. In the previous at-bats, there were no runners and I thought that at the end, an exciting chance would come up, so I thought to make the most of it. A wild pitch came, and I think I hit it. I just thought to only see the zone. I just wanted to connect, even if it was only a sacrifice fly."

At the same time, he expressed his regret about junior Kim Do-young's injury. Kim Do-young hit a single to left field in the bottom of the third and was substituted after experiencing pain in his left hamstring while sprinting. After a thorough examination, he was diagnosed with a hamstring muscle injury. He will undergo further examination, but a lengthy absence is unavoidable.

Losing a key player for a two-game losing streak challenge in the opening match was unfortunate. Choi Hyung-woo sighed and said, "I have no words. Honestly, I want to go and do OOO. Honestly, no one touched him. He did it on his own... He must be feeling bad too."

Kim Do-young ran around first base and attempted to reach second base, but his reckless sprint led to the injury. He entered the opening game as the second batter, eager to add another score, which became a major setback. He had prepared perfectly during the offseason, spring training, and exhibition games, but an unexpected injury led to his exit. The senior expressed deep sympathy with a sorrowful expression.

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