Kiwoom Heroes’ foreign hitter Edison Russell (29) got his first hit in six games. In an exhibition game against the Hanwha Eagles held at Daejeon Stadium on the 19th, he played the 4th shortstop and hit a left-handed hit in the 3rd inning. In a situation where there were no runners from the second company, he made a straight hit against Hanwha starter Felix Pena.
It was the first hit that became the catalyst for the ‘Big Inning 안전놀이터‘.
The Heroes succeeded in a 2-1 comeback with a two-run home run by Jung-Hoo Lee in the third. After 2 deaths, Russell hit a hit, and the batting line showed concentration. He added 3 points with two 4-balls and consecutive timely hits. Lee Yong-kyu scored 1 RBI and Kim Dong-heon scored 2 RBIs in a timely manner and ran away 5-1.
Prior to the game on this day, in 5 games, 10 at bats, 8 at bats, no hits. He struck out two and got two on four balls. Even if it was a demonstration game, it would have been frustrating. He got a hit after 12 at-bats in an official game and put down his heavy heart with his first hit.
In the third at-bat in the fourth inning, Russell struck a timely left-handed hit from second base. It looked like a sign that he was entering an adjustment phase. 3 at-bats, 2 hits, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored.
Coach Hong Won-ki, whom I met before the game, said, “It’s an adaptation stage, so I digested two at-bats per game. I will help adapt by increasing the number of at-bats in the future.” In other words, he responded directly to the director’s wishes.
Russell returned to Heroes after 3 years and became a hot topic. The club brought back a player who had given up on renewing the contract. It was a very unusual decision.
Moreover, it is the core power of the air defense that needs to fill the vacancy of Yasiel Puig. It’s a decision that’s possible because it’s a hero.
Heroes emphasizes that ‘Russell in 2020’ and ‘Russell in 2023’ are different. Compared to three years ago, both defense and hitting have become stronger, and he said he has found psychological stability.
Russell, who joined as a substitute during the 2020 season, played in 65 games and batted .254 (62-for-244) with two homers, 31 RBIs and 22 runs. Contrary to his expectations, there were many mistakes in defense and low contribution in attack. Puig posted 131 hits, 21 home runs and 73 RBI last year.
Russell said, “Today’s game is just part of preparation for the season. Nevertheless, I feel good because I hit multi-hits. The more I play, the more comfortable I feel.”