KIA Tigers Kim Do-yeong delivered a historic performance at Seoul’s Jamsil Baseball Stadium on October 20, hitting a 145-meter grand slam to lead his team to a 13-1 victory over the LG Twins. With this win, the Tigers completed a three-game sweep of the semi-playoff series, securing their advancement to the KBO postseason playoff round.

Kim Do-yeong’s Record-Breaking Grand Slam

In the second inning with one out and the bases loaded, Kim connected on a 144.4 km/h fastball from LG reliever John Kennedy. The ball traveled an estimated 145 meters, according to Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) records. LG’s internal tracking system measured the distance at 145.8 meters. The blast not only broke the record for the longest home run in semi-playoff history—surpassing the previous mark of 135 meters—but also established Kim, at 23 years and 18 days old, as the youngest player to hit a grand slam in KBO postseason history.

Series Sweep and Playoff Advancement

The Tigers’ victory marked the end of the best-of-five semi-playoff series, which they dominated with three consecutive wins. By sweeping the series, KIA became the third team in league history to achieve a 3-0 sweep in the semi-playoff round, joining the 2008 Samsung Lions and the 2023 NC Dinos. This result marks the Tigers’ first return to the postseason stage in 23 years, dating back to 2003. For the LG Twins, the loss concluded their season and served as the final professional baseball game held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, which is slated for demolition at the end of this season.

Offensive Dominance and Pitching Performance

KIA’s offense was productive throughout the lineup, recording 16 hits in the third game. Every starting batter managed to hit and score, a feat that ranks as the second-highest in semi-playoff history and the fourth in overall KBO postseason history. Na Sung-bum contributed significantly with a solo home run against LG starter Carlos Carrasco, who struggled early, allowing five runs in just 1 and 1/3 innings. On the mound, Tigers starting pitcher Keisho Shirakawa held the LG lineup to one run on four hits over five innings while striking out nine batters. As an Asian quota player, Shirakawa became the first Japanese pitcher to earn a win in a KBO postseason game.

Series MVP Honors

Following the sweep, Kim Do-yeong was named the series Most Valuable Player. Over the three games, he maintained a .333 batting average with three home runs and eight RBIs. He received 84 of the votes cast by reporters, accounting for an 86.6% approval rate. His performance included a two-homer game during the series opener in Gwangju, providing the momentum that carried the Tigers through the remainder of the series.

Upcoming Playoff Matchup

The Tigers are scheduled to face the Samsung Lions in the first game of the playoff round on October 25. The match will be held at the Samsung Lions Park in Daegu. The playoff series will also follow a best-of-five format, with the winner advancing to the Korean Series.

Postseason Statistical Milestones

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will KIA face in the next round of the playoffs?
The KIA Tigers will play the Samsung Lions, who finished the regular season in second place. The first game of this series is set for October 25 at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu.

What was the significance of the game at Jamsil Stadium?
The third game of the semi-playoff was the last professional baseball game ever played at the current Jamsil Baseball Stadium. The venue, which opened in 1982, is scheduled to be demolished and replaced by a new domed stadium.

How did the Tigers’ performance compare to historical records?
KIA’s 16 hits and the fact that every starting batter scored a run placed the game as the second-most productive offensive performance in semi-playoff history and the fourth in the history of the KBO postseason.