Highest Batting Average in July, Solo Home Run that Kept KIA's Pride... The Only Hope in KIA's 7-Game Losing Streak

[Financial News] On July 29, Doosan's starting pitcher was Choi Min-seok. Choi Min-seok is a rookie pitcher who graduated from Seoul High last year. However, KIA was helpless against Choi Min-seok. They managed only one hit until the 6th inning. The pitch count was only about 70. The score widened to 0-7. The game was practically over. It was a moment where the pride of the defending champion could be slightly hurt. On the flip side, KIA's helplessness against Choi Min-seok highlighted how poor KIA's current team situation is. A 7-game losing streak, and a glimmer of hope for a rebound. The only consolation for KIA in this game was the performance of Go Jong-wook and Na Sung-beom.


Although the game result was a loss, the bat of leadoff hitter Go Jong-wook never gave up. On the 29th, in a home game against the Doosan Bears at Gwangju Kia Champions Field. KIA lost 6-9. However, the player who lifted the team's spirits was undoubtedly Go Jong-wook. With 2 outs in the 6th inning, after a full-count battle, he hit Choi Min-seok's 135km breaking ball over the right-center fence. Although the team was trailing 0-7, this hit was a decisive opening that broke the team's stagnant atmosphere. Subsequently, home runs by Kim Tae-gun and Na Sung-beom followed, and KIA caught up with 6 runs.
His season record is at its peak. In 30 games, a batting average of 0.341, OPS 0.843. In July alone, he recorded 0.328 in full-time play, proving his consistency. Looking only at July, he has the highest batting average among KIA's main players. His performance as the leadoff hitter is particularly outstanding. His batting average in the leadoff position is a remarkable 0.388. He simultaneously achieves on-base and chance-making, playing a leading role in the team's offense.
After hitting three hits against LG Chirinos on June 29 and shedding tears, Go Jong-wook has continued a steady rebound.
Last season, he was not even included in the Korean Series entry and couldn't even properly participate in exhibition games. He revealed, "I was preparing for the end of this year."



However, with Lee Woo-sung and Choi Won-jun leaving the team through trades, he got another chance. It is a decisive timing to leap as a definite first-team starter, not as a pinch hitter. Along with Kim Ho-ryeong, he is leading KIA's outfield.
Of course, there are still challenges. His batting average against left-handed pitchers is 0.235, which is a significant gap compared to 0.369 against right-handers. If he doesn't overcome this, he may have to share the leadoff spot with Lee Chang-jin.
However, his batting average in scoring position is 0.364, and 0.353 when there are runners, which alleviates such concerns. It means he fulfills his role without deviation depending on the situation. Whether there are runners or not, whether it's a close game or a big deficit, he is a player who can always fulfill his role. 
This season might be his last prime. But he is seizing that opportunity tightly. And he is playing baseball more desperately and earnestly than anyone else. A home run of tears, and a resurgence of his prime. At the end of KIA, Go Jong-wook has risen again.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter