Doosan Bears left-hander Choi Seung-yong (21) made a strong appeal for the starting ticket.
On the 19th, Choi Seung-yong took the mound in an exhibition game against the KIA Tigers held at the Gwangju-Kia Champions Field and fought back. He pitched well, giving up two runs on two hits and one walk while striking out seven in 4⅓ innings.
He pitched perfectly until the fourth inning. He made a strong start by striking out the first batter, 4-half hitter Kim Do-young, with a swing and strikeout. He finished the first inning cleanly, handling Lee Chang-jin and Socrates with a big hit.스포츠토토
In the 2nd episode, Hwang Dae-in was caught with a floating ball by the center fielder, and he put on a striking strikeout show. Byun Woo-hyeok, Kim Ho-ryeong, Kim Kyu-seong, Joo Hyo-sang, Hong Jong-pyo, and Kim Do-young again fought back to strike out six batters in a row. He put 11 batters to sleep until 2 out in the 4th inning.
However, he was shaken after being hit with a left-handed double by lead batter Byun Woo-hyuk in the 5th inning. He caught Kim Ho-ryeong, but Kim Gyu-seong was sent out for a walk and was beaten. Kim Ho-jun, who came to the rescue, hit and pushed away, and the third pitcher, Ko Bong-jae, gave Kim Do-young two RBIs and a timely hit, resulting in a loss.
The 5th episode left much to be desired, but it was meaningful to Choi Seung-yong. Due to the injury of Dylan Pyle, the second foreign starter, the two starting positions were vacant. Young Guns are in a situation where they have to fill the position.
Director Lee emphasized again the day before, “Dylan’s departure is a big loss. Choi Seung-yong, along with Park Shin-ji and Kim Dong-ju, must fill the vacancy.” In particular, Choi Seung-yong’s efforts were desperately needed for Doosan, which lacked a left-handed selection.
Park Shin-ji, who is competing for the start, pitched effectively, blocking 4 innings the previous day with 1 run. Kim Dong-ju, who took the mound following Park Shin-ji, also gave up 1 run in 2 innings, but received a passing grade.
Coach Lee Seung-yeop praised Shinji, saying, “It was good that Shinji blocked it well even when he was in bad shape. It is natural for Shinji to throw well when he is in good condition. I hope Choi Seung-yong will show a good performance today.”
Director Lee expressed his satisfaction with a broad smile when Choi Seung-yong responded with a 100% strikeout show. The game was devastatingly lost 1-8 due to no batting line, but Choi Seung-yong’s good pitching was a great comfort. It was a clear harvest that the three trusted young guns bravely did their part in the 2nd Gwangju match. /sunny@osen.co.kr