Park Dong-won delivers the clutch hit as LG Twins edge NC Dinos to extend win streak
Park Dong-won provided the decisive moment as LG Twins topped the NC Dinos 4-3 in an away game at Changwon NC Park on the 28th, pushing LG’s winning run to 12 games. LG’s latest victory came as part of a 2-1 stretch in their last three games, and improved their season record to 75 wins, 3 draws and 44 losses.
Park, who started the game on the bench and wore a catcher’s mask for defense, did not reach base in his first at-bat. He redeemed himself in the eighth inning with two outs and a runner on second, drilling a 128-km slider from right-hander Kim Jin-ho for an RBI double to left-center, sealing the come-from-behind win.
Defensively, Park also contributed by helping to curb NC’s running game. In the seventh and eighth innings, Choi Jung-won and Choi Won-jun executed clean pickoff-style plays that neutralized two stolen-base attempts and preserved LG’s lead.
After the game, LG head coach Yeom Kyung-yeop highlighted Park’s impact, saying the team won with Park’s clutch hit and that the catcher’s defense and timing were crucial at key moments. Park himself noted that winning is always nice, but performing well in a victory feels even better. He credited ongoing work with coaches Park Kyung-wan and Kim Jae-yul, including video analysis and targeted practice, for sharpening his approach and throwing.
Park’s career arc includes time with the KIA Tigers before joining LG in 2023. He is a veteran in the lineup, boasting a .257 batting average with 173 home runs and 682 RBIs across 1,402 professional games, including this season’s pursuit of the team’s goals. August had been tougher for him, hitting .197 with two homers and 10 RBIs, but he steadied in this game and delivered when it mattered most. Park also set personal targets, aiming to keep his OPS above .800; he currently sits at .809.
LG’s win comes as they continue a tight race at the top of the standings, pursuing the regular-season crown and setting sights on another Korean Series appearance. Hanwha Eagles, meanwhile, defeated Kiwoom 9-3 to stay within 4.5 games of LG, underscoring the competitive balance at the top of the league.
LG has a storied history of championships, with titles in 1990, 1994 and 2023, and the club remains focused on extending its title run this season. Park’s timely hit and steady defense showcased the depth and resilience that LG is counting on as they push for the regular-season finish and a strong postseason push.
Key takeaway: Park Dong-won’s eighth-inning go-ahead double combined with sharp defense and steady leadership from LG’s catching corps helped cement a pivotal win in a season where every game matters in the chase for the league title. The team’s momentum, combined with strong pitching and base-running discipline, positions LG well as the season progresses.