Kim Do-young's 145-Meter Grand Slam Ends Jamsil Stadium's Last Game as KIA Sweeps LG
In the last pro game ever played at 44-year-old Jamsil Stadium, KIA's Kim Do-young hit a grand slam. KIA beat LG 13-1 to sweep the semi-playoff and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2003.
Over in the second inning
Game 3 of the semi-playoff on Oct. 20 at Jamsil was effectively decided in the top of the second. Na Seong-beom led off with a homer, the bases got loaded, and Kim Do-young followed with a grand slam.
The final score was 13-1. KIA piled up 16 hits and 4 home runs, and all nine starters got a hit and scored.
145.8 meters and a stack of records
LG's tracking system measured the shot at 145.8 m, a semi-playoff record that ties the postseason mark set by Doosan's Tyrone Woods in 2001.
At 23 years and 18 days, Kim also became the youngest player to hit a postseason grand slam. He finished the series with three homers.
Shirakawa steps in for Yang
Asian-quota pitcher Shirakawa Keisho started in place of Yang Hyeon-jong. He threw five innings, allowed one run and struck out nine to take the win, the first postseason win by an Asian-quota pitcher in the KBO.
Jamsil Stadium closes after 44 years
Jamsil opened in 1982 and was home to LG and Doosan for 44 years. LG's elimination cancelled Game 4, so this became the last pro game played there.
The stadium is to be demolished after the season, with a sports and MICE complex including a new dome targeted for 2032. Until then LG and Doosan will use the nearby Olympic Main Stadium. After the game, Yang Hyeon-jong was seen taking soil from the mound.
Next up: Samsung
KIA now faces the regular-season runner-up Samsung Lions in a best-of-five playoff starting Oct. 25, with Game 1 in Daegu. The winner goes to the Korean Series.
Kim was named series MVP. Of the slam he said the feel of the bat on the ball was even better than in the regular-season finale.