By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
World Baseball Classic (WBC) star Kim Tae-kyun continued to lead the Hanwha Eagles resurgence on Wednesday, hitting a home run for the third straight game in a 7-4 home win over the Heroes.
The Eagles' slugger made contact with a slider from Heroes starter Kim Soo-kyung and sent it over the fence.
Kim is 18-for-43 with a .419 batting average in 12 games since he returned from a concussion on June 26. He also has five long balls and 16 RBIs.
The Eagles have rebounded from their slump and have three wins in their last four games, thanks in part to Kim, who has scored in each of his last 12 games. The Daejeon-based team is showing signs that it intends on making a run for the top four in the KBO and a playoff berth.
``It is totally different when he's in the lineup than when he isn't,'' Eagles batting coach Kang Suk-cheon said.
``He puts lots of pressure on the opposing pitchers and cheers on his teammates.''
The first baseman said he still feels dizzy after suffering a concussion on April 26 after a home plate collision with Doosan Bears catcher Choi Seung-hwan. Kim's head smashed against the ground and he was rushed to the hospital. ``I still feel dizzy, but it doesn't affect anything to play on the field. And I am getting my balance back,'' Kim said. ``I am really happy that my side won today.
``I waited for the fastball for a big swing,'' added Kim. ``I am really appreciative of all who support us sincerely. Even though some people said we couldn't move into the top four, we haven't lost our goal.''
In the match, Eagles veteran shortstop Kim Min-jae hit a grand slam in the third inning for the first time in his 19-year professional career.
The eighth-place Eagles have a long way to go if they hope to make the playoffs. The last-place team is 7 1/2 games behind seventh-ranked LG Twins and 9 1/2 back of fourth place.