Seoul:<Text>

The night before making his first start in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) on Thursday, NC Dinos rookie Ko Jun-hwi tried to calm his nerves by sticking to his normal pregame routine -- turning the lights out, blocking out all the noise, and visualizing what he was going to do on the field. Whatever the 18-year-old outfielder imagined, he couldn't have asked for much more than what he actually did against the Kiwoom Heroes. Ko batted 2-for-4 with his first career home run and stole his first base, helping the Dinos hammer the Heroes 12-2 at Gocheok Sky Dome. Ko became only the second player in the KBO's 44-year history to record multiple hits, a home run, and a steal in his first start.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ko was unaware of the historical significance of his performance until after the game. "I had no idea I was accomplishing these things," Ko said. "I was so locked in, and I just found out now. I feel pretty proud of it, and I am getting goosebu mps. I really like to imagine things, and this is a dream come true. I can't wait to see what lies ahead."

A fourth-round selection in last year's draft, Ko broke camp with the Dinos and made his KBO debut on Opening Day, March 28, as a pinch hitter. After coming off the bench in the next two games without recording a hit, Ko was sent to the minors. He was called up before Thursday's game, with manager Lee Ho-joon noting Ko had been the minor league team's best hitter for some time and he wanted to see how the teenager would fare this time around.

Ko got hit by a pitch in the second inning -- also a career first -- and then got his first hit and RBIs with a two-run single in the third. He promptly swiped his first bag. The big moment came in the seventh inning with a two-run home run off Jhun Jun-pyo. Ko drilled a 2-2 slider from the right-hander and sent it 120 meters over the wall in right field. After making contact, Ko sprinted out of the box, unsure if the ball would leave the yard. Realizing his achievement only after a signal from the first base coach, Ko expressed his excitement.

Prior to his trip to the minors, Ko had struggled with a 0-for-3 record with a walk in his three previous games. He acknowledged a need to work on his aggression at the plate and his outfield defense. "I am really grateful for this opportunity," Ko said. "I know other rookies were getting all the attention here, but I wasn't jealous. I just wanted to do whatever I can to catch them."

Ko expressed his desire to be remembered as a feisty player who competes hard for his team. "I absolutely hate losing to pitchers when I am in the box. I am a competitive guy," Ko said. "I have a lot of work to do on defense, and I will try to become a better outfielder."

Ko's favorite player growing up was former Heroes star and current San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo, who serves as a source of inspiration for him. Ko also shared his friendly riva lry with fellow rookie and former high school teammate Park Ji-hun of the KT Wiz, expressing a desire to get a hit off him in the KBO. "He's been teasing me so much, and now it's time for payback," Ko remarked.