Kim Tae-geun, a Doosan outfielder, has a career hit count of 10 but has a 1-for-3 record in place of Jeong Soo-bin.
Doosan Bears outfielder Kim Tae-geun (27) is the main character.
In his last 10 games, he is 0-for-2 with a ‘0’ batting average. In 33 games this season, mostly as a pinch-hitter and center fielder, he had eight hits in 38 at-bats. However, he had three hits against the Lotte Giants on Aug. 8.
Lotte’s starting pitcher that day was left-hander Charlie Barnes. Doosan has been very strong this season. They went 2-2 with a 0.65 ERA in four games. All four games were quality starts (6+ innings pitched, 3 earned runs or less). Doosan’s key hitters struggled. Kyung-min Heo, who went 0-for-12, and Jose Rojas, who went 0-for-9, were out of the starting lineup.
Jung Soo-bin, who also struggled with one hit in 11 at-bats, was dropped to the ninth spot. Kim Tae-geun, a fifth-year pro who graduated from Konkuk University, started in right field in place of Jeong, who batted first in the previous game. Kim had previously gone 1-for-5 against Barnes.
The name is still somewhat unfamiliar to fans. In the first inning, Kim singled up the middle, stole second, and then stole third. In the third inning, he hit an infield single to shortstop with two outs. Two of his hits came against LOTTE starter Barnes. In the seventh inning, he hit a two-run single to left field to complete his first career three-hit game.
Kim Tae-geun said, “When I heard I was starting, I aimed for three hits. I thought that if I got a pitch, I would go out unconditionally even if I got hit. I’m glad I accomplished my goal.” He continued, “It’s hard to cope with fastballs when you haven’t batted in a long time. I try to set the pitching machine to the fastest speed before the game so I don’t lose my timing.”
Drafted in the 5th round of the 2019 draft. He joined the Icheon Spring Training in 2022 after being released by the Commerce. He was highly anticipated but had a tough time with two injuries. He rehabbed and made his first call-up to the first team on July 21.
A Doosan official described Kim’s strengths as “fast feet (he runs 100 meters in 11 seconds), outfield defense, 먹튀검증 and throwing ability.
“I am grateful every day that I can be part of the fierce battle for the top spot, whether as a starter or backup. I will do my best to help the team reach great heights in the fall.”
Kim Tae-geun vowed.
The game ended in a 2-1 victory for Doosan. Starter Brandon Waddell pitched six innings of one-hit ball.