Seoul, South Korea – LG Twins' infielder Koo Bon-hyeok has secured a starting position in the team's opening game against the Lotte Giants, thanks to his exceptional performance during the exhibition season. The announcement comes after LG Twins' final exhibition game against the NC Dinos was canceled due to heavy snowfall, concluding their pre-season with a 4-5 record.
The LG Twins are set to face the Lotte Giants at Jamsil Stadium on March 22nd, marking the start of the regular season. Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop has revealed plans to adjust the starting lineup, prioritizing right-handed batters to counter Lotte's left-handed starting pitcher, Charlie Barnes.
A significant change will see Koo Bon-hyeok taking over second base from Shin Min-jae. Koo's remarkable exhibition performance, featuring a .368 batting average and a league-leading .571 on-base percentage, earned him the coveted starting role. This will be Koo's first time starting in an opening game, a testament to his improved batting skills.
The decision to adjust the lineup also stems from Moon Seong-joo's recent recovery from a back injury and Shin Min-jae's struggles at the plate during exhibition play. Manager Yeom is strategically adjusting the team to maximize its potential against Barnes.
Historical data reveals varied performances by LG batters against Barnes. Hong Chang-ki, Park Dong-won, and Moon Seong-joo have shown strong results, while others, including Shin Min-jae and Oh Ji-hwan, have struggled. Koo Bon-hyeok himself has limited experience against Barnes, with no hits in three at-bats.
Koo Bon-hyeok, drafted in 2019, has significantly improved his batting since completing his military service. His stellar exhibition performance has now positioned him as a key player for the LG Twins as they embark on the new season.
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