Taipei: Kia Tigers third baseman Kim Do-yeong delivered an outstanding performance at the World Baseball Softball Confederation Premier12, helping the South Korean national team secure its first win in the tournament by defeating Cuba 8-4 at Taipei Tianmu Baseball Stadium. According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim, the frontrunner for the regular-season MVP in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), showcased his prowess by hitting two home runs, including a grand slam, and contributing significantly on defense. Batting third, Kim went 3-for-4 with five RBIs and two runs scored, with all three of his hits going for extra bases. This performance came after Kim was a standout in South Korea's 6-3 loss to Chinese Taipei, where he managed an RBI single, a walk, and a steal. Kim's first home run for the national team came after a strikeout against Cuban starter Livan Moinelo in the first inning. In the second inning, with South Korea leading 2-0, Kim launched a first-pitch fastball into left field for a grand slam. Hi s defensive skills were also on display, making a leaping catch to rob Yadir Drake of an extra-base hit and starting a crucial double play in the fourth inning. Kim's performance was part of a historic season in 2024, where he hit 38 home runs and stole 40 bases, narrowly missing a 40-40 season. He set a KBO record with 143 runs scored and ranked third in batting average and hits. Despite leading the league with 30 errors, Kim's defensive efforts in Thursday's game were key to South Korea's victory. Gwak Been, who tied for the KBO lead with 15 wins, started strong for South Korea, striking out five batters over four shutout innings. Although the bullpen faltered slightly, allowing runs in the seventh and eighth innings, KT Wiz closer Park Yeong-hyun secured the win with two strikeouts in the ninth inning.