It's unusual power hitting.
KIA Tigers lost Kim Do-young in the opening doubleheader, but found new hope for power hitting. Catcher Han Jun-soo showcased his power by hitting a three-run home run in the first game and a solo home run in the second game. He received praise for his ability to make contact and fully demonstrated his power hitting as he enters his second full season. He is projecting double-digit home runs for the first time.
Another prospect has emerged. Lee Woo-sung, who is in his 11th year since debut, showed unusual power hitting in spring camp and exhibition games. He hit a huge home run that cleared the left fence and hit the back net during practice games in Okinawa, and during the exhibition games against NC Dinos on the 10th and 11th, he hit home runs on consecutive days. Following a solo home run, he hit a grand slam.
On the 22nd, he recorded two hits in three at-bats in the opening game against NC. He hit a single that rolled in front of the center fielder with two outs and one runner on base in the second inning. In the bottom of the seventh, trailing 1-2, he launched a big hit that looked like a home run. Unfortunately, it was a double that got caught up on the fence. However, it was definitely a hit showing his improved power hitting.
The next day in the second game of the opening doubleheader, he finally cleared the center fence. His hitting record was one hit in four at-bats. That hit was a game-tying two-run home run that came in the second inning. He swung hard at a fastball clocked at 151 km/h from NC starter Riley Thompson with no outs and one runner on base. It went much farther than the hit from the previous day, turning into a 130-meter home run.
Lee Woo-sung made a change to his swing this year. It was a swing designed to generate fly balls. He consciously aimed for the bottom of the ball. He also considered that ground balls often lead to double plays. This was advice from hitting coach Hong Se-wan. The changes he attempted are clearly showing up this year as improved distance. Kim Do-young also changed to fly ball hitting before last season and dominated the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League.
Despite Lee Woo-sung's solid physique (182 cm, 95 kg), he was somewhat distant from power hitting. His record for most home runs in a single season was nine during the 2024 season. His highest slugging percentage also came in 2023 with .417. With the changes to his swing this year, double-digit home runs and his personal best slugging percentage are expected. He has shown that hope in the opening doubleheader.
This year, a starting left fielder position has emerged. He is expected to surpass 500 plate appearances well over the full-time requirement. He exceeded the plate appearance requirement for the first time in the 2024 season with 449 plate appearances. As the number of plate appearances increases, so will the number of home runs. If Lee Woo-sung hits a career-high in slugging percentage, it will greatly strengthen the KIA lineup. Kim Do-young is out until April due to a thigh injury. Thus, Lee Woo-sung's power hitting is even more welcomed.
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