KT Jang Jin-hyuk, first KS starter at bat... Lee Kang-cheol responds to expectations

Jang Jin-hyuk (33), a professional baseball player from kt wiz who had the opportunity to play as a starter in his first Korean Series (KS), responded to manager Lee Kang-cheol's expectations by hitting a home run in his first at-bat.

Jang Jin-hyuk started as the second batter and left fielder in the 4th game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason KS (4 wins out of 7) against the Samsung Lions held at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 7th and fired the first solo shot.

Facing Samsung starter Jang Chan-hee in a situation where the team was tied 0-0 and had no runners and one out in the top of the first inning, Jang Jin-hyuk pulled a high fastball at 144 km/h on the 4th pitch with 2 balls and 1 strike, and fired a superior solo shot with a distance of 115 meters.

It was a shot that gave KT, which was behind with a series record of 1 win and 2 losses, a valuable first point.

The striking ability shown in the previous game led to his selection as a starter.

Jang Jin-hyuk played as a substitute in Game 2 and recorded 1 hit and 1 run at bat, and he also served as a pinch hitter in Game 3 the day before and hit a double.

After both hitting opportunities resulted in hits, manager Lee selected Jang Jin-hyuk as the starter instead of Kim Min-hyuk that day.

Before the game, Coach Lee explained the reason for his selection, saying, "Jinhyuk's hitting timing was good when he went out twice."

He continued, “If Jang Jin-hyuk gets on base, connects the batting line behind him, and strengthens his scoring ability, there will be good results.”

Jang Jin-hyuk responded with a home run that went beyond getting on base and hit the home run directly.

Jang Chan-hee, who gave up the first shot to Jang Jin-hyuk, became the second youngest starter in KS history at 19 years, 1 month and 2 days old.

The youngest record is Lim Tae-hoon of the Doosan Bears in 2007 at 19 years, 1 month and 1 day.

KT is ahead 1-0 in the top of the second inning.