The American player records KBO's 33rd cycling hit in a dramatic game
Category: Sports
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, LG Twins' Austin Dean achieved the 33rd cycling hit in the history of Korea's professional baseball league (KBO) on August 25, 2026, during a thrilling match against the NC Dinos at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. The match ended with a nail-biting 5-4 victory for LG in extra innings, highlighting Dean's extraordinary performance.
This cycling hit, a rare feat that requires a player to record a single, double, triple, and home run in a single game, was completed by Dean in a dramatic fashion. He began his onslaught with a double in the fourth inning, followed by a single in the sixth, a three-run homer in the eighth, and finally, a triple in the tenth inning. His performance marked the first cycling hit of the season and made him the first foreign player in LG Twins history to achieve this milestone.
Dean's impressive statistics for the game included four hits from five at-bats, with one home run and three runs batted in (RBIs). His contributions were instrumental in turning the tide for LG, which had been trailing 3-4 before his game-changing triple in the tenth inning. Following Dean's hit, teammate Song Chan-eui delivered a timely double that tied the game, setting the stage for Hong Chang-ki's dramatic walk-off hit that sealed the victory.
The significance of Dean's cycling hit matters. It is a historic achievement that has only occurred 33 times in KBO history since the league's inception in 1982. This season, it was the first time a player managed to accomplish this feat in a single game. The rarity of the cycling hit highlights Dean's versatility and prowess as a batter, demonstrating his ability to contribute to his team's success in multiple ways.
Dean's cycling hit also reflects the competitive nature of the KBO, where players are constantly pushing the boundaries of their abilities. After the game, Dean expressed his excitement, stating, "I’ve never achieved a cycling hit in my career before. The last hit was a moment of tension; it could have been a home run or an out. All I could do was run hard to third base. I think I was able to achieve the cycling hit because no one talked about it during the game." His humility and team-first attitude resonate well with fans and teammates alike.
Meanwhile, other games on the same day saw the KIA Tigers defeating the Lotte Giants 8-5 with a walk-off grand slam, and the SSG Landers overpowering the Hanwha Eagles 7-1. The Doosan Bears also secured a victory against the KT Wiz, winning 3-1, and the Kiwoom Heroes and Samsung Lions ended their match in a 3-3 draw.
Following this exhilarating match, the LG Twins are looking to maintain their momentum as they continue their season. With this victory, they improved their record to 62 wins, 1 tie, and 50 losses, keeping them firmly in third place in the league standings. The team aims to build on this success as they prepare for upcoming matches, where Dean's performance will undoubtedly serve as a motivational benchmark for his teammates.
The KBO season is now entering a decisive phase, with teams vying for playoff positions. As the competition heats up, fans are eager to see how Dean and the Twins will perform in the coming weeks. The next match will be a test of their resolve and skill as they face off against other formidable teams in the league.
In a league known for its passionate fans and high-stakes games, Dean's cycling hit has added another exciting chapter to the KBO story. As the season progresses, attention will turn to Dean to see if he can replicate this historic achievement and continue to lead the LG Twins to victory.