“Factors to Overcome a Slump” Reversal of a bases-loaded walk-off hit → ‘Direct hit to the fence’ 2 RBIs & 3 hits… The original first baseman wakes up
“There are many factors to overcome a slump….”
Oh Jae-il (37-Samsung Lions) is one of the league’s “giant first basemen.
He has consistently hit around 20 home runs since 2016 and had a “career-high” season in 2020, hitting 32 home runs with a 3.1 RBI average.
After the 2020 season, Oh became a free agent and signed a four-year, $5 billion contract with Samsung.
The first two years were good for Oh and Samsung. He batted in the mid-twenties and produced over 20 home runs.
This season, Oh had one of the biggest “slump” years of his career. He struggled with his bat and injuries.
In 80 games, his batting average was in the single digits and he didn’t hit more than 10 home runs.
On the 26th, against Daegu Kiwoom, Oh hit a thrilling shot. Entering the game as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning, Oh came up to bat with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning with a 2-5 record. It was a one-hitter except for the name Oh Jae-il. He hadn’t gotten a hit in seven at-bats in the previous two games.
It was a typical Oh Jae-il swing. He lined a 120-kilometer slider from Kiwoom Moon Sung-hyun over the right-center field fence. It was Oh’s ninth home run of the season. Samsung went on to win 6-5.
Before the 27th game against Kiwoom, Samsung manager Park Jin-man welcomed Oh’s home run. “When you’re in a slump, the only thing that can help you overcome it is a bad hit or a big hit, and from then on, you’ll feel more relaxed and confident at the plate,” Park said.
“It was my last at-bat, so I’m looking forward to it,” said Park, who moved Oh Jae-il, who started as the No. 7 hitter on the 25th, up to the No. 6 spot.
The plan worked. In the bottom of the second inning, Oh took a fastball from Kiwoom starter Kim Sun-ki and smashed a two-run double to the top of the right-center field fence. If it had gone a little higher, it would have been a home run. Oh Jae-il’s face reflected his disappointment.
In the fifth inning, Oh hit a big foul ball that landed in front of the right field fence. He ran to second base, but was caught by a strong and accurate throw from Kiwoom right fielder Joo Sung-won, who recorded the hit.
With a walk in the seventh inning, Oh finished the game with three hits. Samsung wrapped up the three-game weekend series with an 8-6 victory in the winner’s bracket.
Hitting after the game-winning home run. “I’m just doing it,” Oh said with a smile when asked about breaking out of his slump.
The change is definitely noticeable. “I’m seeing good pitches coming out, so I think I can stay positive,” he said, “and I’m seeing my favorite pitches in the right-center field.”토토사이트
A late start at the plate. “I’m continuing to prepare hard, and I think my swing will come out soon,” Oh said.