In a thrilling matchup on April 27, 2025, the Doosan Bears faced off against the Lotte Giants at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, where young infielder Oh Myung-jin made headlines with a spectacular grand slam that marked his first professional home run. The game, part of the 2025 KBO League, saw the Bears break through a quiet batting performance with a sudden offensive explosion in the bottom of the fourth inning.
With the score still knotted at 0-0, the Bears found themselves in a prime scoring position with one out and the bases loaded. Oh Myung-jin, batting sixth and playing second base, stepped up to the plate against Lotte's left-handed pitcher, Song Jae-young. After a tense buildup, Oh Myung-jin delivered a powerful swing, connecting with a first-pitch slider thrown at 129 km/h. The ball soared over the right field fence, traveling an impressive distance of 116.9 meters at a speed of 162.1 km/h, bringing in four runs and giving the Bears a commanding 4-0 lead.
This grand slam was not only a pivotal moment in the game but also a significant milestone for Oh Myung-jin, who had been struggling to find his footing in the league. Drafted in the sixth round as the 59th overall pick in the 2020 KBO rookie draft, Oh Myung-jin had yet to register a hit in the first team until this season. Despite a stellar spring training where he led with a batting average of .407, his transition to the regular season proved challenging, as he recorded a batting average of just .220 prior to this game.
Manager Lee Seung-yeop had expressed cautious optimism about Oh Myung-jin's potential, noting, "He has been showing gradual improvement and is starting to prove himself worthy of a spot in the first team." After a brief stint in the Futures League, where he honed his skills, Oh Myung-jin returned to the Bears on April 23, 2025, and had already shown signs of a turnaround with multiple-hit games in his last outings.
Following Oh Myung-jin's grand slam, the Bears continued to build on their momentum. Jung Soo-bin added to the score with a timely hit, pushing the lead to 5-0 by the end of the fourth inning. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as fans celebrated the young player's breakthrough moment, and Doosan's dugout erupted in cheers as he rounded the bases.
Oh Myung-jin's journey to this moment has not been without its challenges. After being demoted earlier in the month due to a slump, he worked diligently to regain his spot on the roster. His determination and hard work paid off, culminating in this unforgettable performance. The grand slam not only showcased his power but also highlighted his potential as a key player for the Bears moving forward.
As the game progressed, the Bears maintained their lead, and the excitement surrounding Oh Myung-jin's performance was palpable. His ability to deliver in clutch situations could prove vital as Doosan aims for a strong finish in the KBO season. With the score now 6-0 after additional runs came from Kim Ki-yeon and Jung Soo-bin, the Bears looked poised for victory, but the Giants were not ready to give up just yet.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Oh Myung-jin's performance impacts the rest of the season. Will this be the turning point for the young infielder? The 2025 KBO League is just heating up, and with players like Oh Myung-jin stepping into the spotlight, the excitement is sure to continue.
As the game unfolded, the Bears' pitching staff held strong, and the defense remained solid, allowing them to build on their lead. The combination of effective pitching and a revitalized batting lineup could signal a new chapter for the Doosan Bears as they look to climb the standings and challenge for the championship.
In conclusion, Oh Myung-jin's grand slam was more than just a moment of glory; it was a testament to perseverance and the thrill of baseball. Fans left Jamsil Stadium buzzing with excitement, eager to see what the next game would bring for this promising young talent and his team. The Doosan Bears, now riding high on confidence, look forward to their next challenge, hoping to sustain their momentum and continue their ascent in the KBO standings.
