Lions Snap Three-Game Slide as Hong Chang‑gi’s Coffee Apology Sparks Win

The Twins entered the Jamsil matchup on a three‑loss run, their offense sputtering and morale bruised after a heated incident involving leadoff hitter Hong Chang‑gi. In the bottom of the first inning on May 12, Hong struck out on a two‑strike cutter and erupted in a loud profanity that aired on live TV, prompting criticism of the team’s clubhouse atmosphere.

Before the May 13 game, Hong circulated coffee to his teammates and publicly apologized, saying he had “made the team’s atmosphere worse yesterday.” Captain Park Hae‑min confirmed the gesture, noting it helped reset the locker room tone. “We wanted to end the losing streak, and Hong’s effort set the right mood,” Park said.

On the field, Hong shifted to the ninth spot in the lineup for the first time this season. After a quiet first at‑bat, he delivered a single in the fifth inning with a runner on first, igniting a rally. He later drew a nine‑pitch walk in the seventh, finishing with his first multi‑hit game in three contests. The performance lifted his season line to a .191 batting average, .377 on‑base percentage, .243 slugging percentage and a .620 OPS, compiled from 22 hits, 8 RBIs and 17 runs in 34 games.

The decisive moment arrived in the bottom of the eighth. With the Twins leading 4‑3, shortstop Oh Ji‑hwan launched a solo home run, extending the lead to 5‑3. Park credited the blast as the catalyst that sealed the comeback, saying the team’s “strong desire to end the losing streak” materialized at that instant.

Other struggling players contributed. Second baseman Shin Min‑jae, batting .196, went 2‑for‑3 and scored twice. Catcher Park Dong‑won added a hit, while Oh Ji‑hwan’s .257 average and .701 OPS underscored his role as a late‑season spark plug.

The win narrows the Twins’ recent record to 5‑3 and restores confidence ahead of the next series. Observers will watch whether Hong’s renewed focus and the clubhouse’s improved chemistry can sustain offensive production, and if Oh’s power will continue to drive the team out of its early‑season slump.