KIA’s main third baseman, Ryu Ji-hyuk, is out of the starting lineup due to a side inflammation. Hwang Dae-in and Byun Woo-hyuk will be responsible for the corner infield and will be able to create synergy in the batting order.

KIA pitcher Yang Hyun-jong will try to reach 162 career wins for the third time. On the 27th, Gwangju LG Electronics lined up Park Chan-ho (shortstop), Lee Woo-sung (left fielder), Socrates Brito (right fielder), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Kim Sun-bin (second baseman), Hwang Dae-in (first baseman), Byun Woo-hyuk (third baseman), Han Seung-taek (catcher), and Kim Ho-ryung (center fielder).

The main third baseman, Ryu Ji-hyeok, hasn’t been hitting well in his last 10 games, batting .257. Turns out, it was his side. Manager Kim Jong-kook said, “We examined it and it’s inflamed, so he’s going to rest. Byun Woo-hyuk will play third base and Hwang Dae-in will play first base.”안전놀이터

With Ryu Ji-hyuk and Choi Hyung-woo playing so well, there was no way Byun Woo-hyuk and Hwang Dae-in could coexist as first baseman and designated hitter, first baseman and third baseman. Even when they did start together, they didn’t have much synergy. The defense was surprisingly steady, but the bats didn’t produce.

The game was a rematch of Yang Hyun-jong’s KBO career win total. If Byun Woo-hyuk and Hwang Dae-in can provide support in the offense in a meaningful game, they could break out of their recent slump. Kia went 1-2 in a three-game midweek series against Hanwha, and lost to LG on the 26th in a game that showed the difference in power.