Samsung Lions 'captain' Koo Ja-wook (outfielder) showcased an outstanding performance during the home game against the NC Dinos held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 25th.

Before this game, Koo Ja-wook had recorded 1,498 hits. He scored a run with a sacrifice fly to center field in the first inning and hit a double to center field in the second inning. With the score at 5-2, Koo entered his third at-bat during a one-out, first and second base opportunity in the fourth inning. With additional runs needed, he blasted a highly nutritious home run.

Against NC's third pitcher Kim Tae-kyung and with a ball count of 2B-1S, he connected with a forkball on the fourth pitch, resulting in a three-run arch to right field. This made Koo the 48th player in KBO League history to achieve 1,500 hits. Samsung defeated NC 14-5, marking their third consecutive win after the season opener for the first time in 17 years.

After the game, Koo Ja-wook expressed his greater happiness for Lee Jae-hyun's performance than for his personal milestone of 1,500 hits. Lee Jae-hyun hit a home run out of the right field fence on the eighth pitch, a fastball at 136 km/h, during a two-out situation with runners on first and second in the second inning. Most importantly, he pushed the ball out for a home run, which was a positive factor.

"I'm really glad that our batting lineup performed well throughout the game. There's one thing I'd like to mention. I believe Jae-hyun worked really hard during the off-season, and I'm so proud that he produced such a good result today. I think he will become an even better player in the future," said Koo Ja-wook.

Koo highly appreciated Lee Jae-hyun for not settling for his current status and striving for higher goals. He said, "He has such great talent, and I really admire his constant effort to improve. He could easily become complacent as a starting player, but he always quietly gives his best. He leads the defense well as a shortstop. He is one of the players who works the hardest on the team."

It is often said that the shortstop is the 'commander of the infield.' Koo remarked, "I often tell Jae-hyun that there's no problem with him acting like a leader on the field. The shortstop is the most crucial defensive position. Since I frequently tell Jae-hyun such things, it seems like he has taken on more responsibility. I find it nice to see him explaining to teammates during various game situations, and the players are focusing more on the game."

Koo's joy in Lee Jae-hyun's performance stems from his sense of responsibility as a captain. Knowing better than anyone that nothing is greater than the team, Koo noted, "I made a commitment before this season. Whether the game is going well or not, I am always focused on winning. I aim to concentrate on the team's victory for the three hours after the game begins."

Samsung is currently on a three-game winning streak, powered by an overwhelming offense. Koo emphasized, "I think the team atmosphere and the players' passion are more important than individual hitting performance. Sometimes the bat performs well, and sometimes it doesn't. It's essential to maintain a consistent atmosphere throughout 144 games."

Regarding his accomplishment of 1,500 career hits, Koo Ja-wook stated, "I believe that such a good record follows because I continued to participate in games. The memory of my first hit is still vivid, and I realize how quickly time flies. I am happy to have achieved 1,500 hits, and I will strive to hit even more."

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