KIA Tigers Focus on Victory as Kim Do-young Sets New Home Run Record
On September 30, 2026, at Gwangju Kia Champions Field, KIA Tigers manager Lee Bum-ho closely supervised Kim Do-young’s batting practice just one day after the team suffered an extra-inning loss to the KT Wiz. Following a blown save in the ninth inning and a subsequent 10th-inning defeat, the club looked to reset its ambitions, anchored by Kim’s record-breaking offensive output.
Bouncing Back From a Gwangju Heartbreak
The previous evening’s contest left little room for celebration despite an explosive start. Holding a 5-4 lead with two outs in the ninth inning, KIA surrendered a game-tying walk that forced extra frames, eventually dropping the game to KT. For a club locked in a late-season battle to narrow the gap against the third-place LG Twins, squandering a late lead dealt a blow.
Manager Lee wasted no time addressing the lingering disappointment on the practice field. Arriving early with a fungo bat in hand to take swings, the skipper sought to shift the mindset away from the ninth-inning collapse and onto the remaining schedule. With every contest carrying weight in the standings, the coaching staff prioritized immediate mental recovery.
Kim Do-young Sets a New Franchise Standard
The focal point of the team’s offensive resurgence remains Kim Do-young, who returned to the lineup fresh off winning a gold medal at the Asian Games. In his very first game back against KT, Kim launched his 41st home run of the season off starting pitcher Logan, hammering a 147 km/h fastball in the first inning. That blast surpassed Tracy Sanders’ 1999 franchise record of 40 home runs, cementing Kim’s status as the single-season home run record holder for the KIA Tigers.
Even though the historic blast ultimately did not translate into a victory, Kim’s performance confirmed his batting form remains intact. Manager Lee spent an extended period talking with Kim before the scheduled hitting session. The manager stood by the cage, observing the hitting practice from start to finish as the team prepares for its next series.
The Final Stretch of the Pennant Race
With the regular season drawing toward its conclusion, securing every available win is vital if the squad intends to narrow the gap with the LG Twins in the standings. Overcoming the lingering frustration of missed opportunities will determine whether the team can translate individual milestones into collective victories.
As the KIA Tigers gear up for the final push, the coaching staff’s hands-on approach with key players like Kim Do-young highlights the preparation required to endure a pennant chase.
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