Could this lead to Busan specialty Lee Jae-mo pizza being banned from entry? Samsung Lions outfielder Kim Ji-chan, the "small giant," completely took over Sajik Stadium. He hit singles, stole bases and showed stellar defense, drawing sighs from Lotte Giants fans.
Kim Ji-chan started in center field as the leadoff hitter in the away game against Lotte at Sajik Stadium on the 24th, going 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored in a brilliant performance that led Samsung to a 10-0 rout. Starter Yang Chang-seop earned his first career complete-game shutout, allowing one hit with six strikeouts over nine innings.
His recent hitting has been hot. Since the KT Wiz game in Pohang on the 19th, Kim Ji-chan has 8 hits in 13 at-bats with 2 RBIs and 6 runs over his last four games, showing peak condition. Manager Park Jin-man also said before the game that he placed Kim Ji-chan leadoff because his recent hitting has been good.
Entrusted with the lead-off role, Kim Ji-chan showed his presence from his first at-bat. In the first inning he singled to left against Lotte starter Elvin Rodriguez, and later scored on Koo Ja-wook's two-run homer to give his team the first run.
After grounding out to shortstop in the second and third-base in the fourth, Kim Ji-chan again showed his clutch instincts in the seventh. With a 1-2 situation created by Lee Jae-hyun's single to left and Jang Seung-hyun's sacrifice bunt, he delivered an RBI single to center. He then boldly attempted a steal of second during Kim Sung-yoon's at-bat; the call was originally out but was overturned to safe after video review. He later scored again on Choi Hyung-woo's RBI hit, rattling the Lotte mound.
Kim Ji-chan's feet didn't stop in the eighth either. With no outs and the bases loaded following walks by Jeon Byung-woo and Jang Seung-hyun and a hit by Lee Jae-hyun, he added an RBI on a grounder to second. He later scored his third time on the day on Kim Sung-yoon's infield grounder and Park Seung-gyu's triple.
It wasn't only his offense that shone. He also made highlight-caliber defensive plays that cut off Lotte's momentum. It was a moment that showcased Kim Ji-chan's trademark wide range and concentration in the field.
After the game, Kim Ji-chan said he didn't feel his hitting was extremely good, but it wasn't bad. He said that in the past he hit with a bit of strain, but these days he has tried to hit in the most comfortable stance, and that seems to be producing good results.
He added about his defense that he has tried to focus more, so naturally good plays are coming out. He explained that the way the ball looks differs at each ballpark, so he tries to play while being mindful of each stadium's characteristics.
He also credited the pitching, saying he always thinks he must help the pitcher when he is in the field. He said that today, thanks to Yang Chang-seop throwing really good pitches, he was able to concentrate more on defense.
Led by Kim Ji-chan's stellar performance on both offense and defense and Yang Chang-seop's flawless pitching, Samsung overwhelmed Lotte. The presence of the "small giant" Kim Ji-chan that shook Sajik was truly commanding.<
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