“He’s competitive, he’s young, he’s greedy. That’s the kind of player who can grow up.”
When the topic of Won Tae-in (Samsung Lions) came up, a bright smile appeared on Samsung coach Park Jin-man’s face.
Park spoke about Won ahead of the Samsung Lions’ upcoming away game against the NC Dinos of the 2023 KBO Baseball League at Changwon NC Park on May 15.
Won Tae-in started the previous day’s game against the KT Wiz at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, South Korea, and threw 101 pitches in six innings, giving up four runs on six hits, one walk, two home runs, and six strikeouts.
Coming off the mound with his team leading 6-4, he picked up his seventh win of the season as Samsung eventually won 10-4. There was a lot of rain along the way, but it didn’t matter to Won. However, he did complain of pain in his fingers and ankle after the game, which caused a lot of concern.
Coach Park Jin-man first commented on Won’s physical condition, saying, “It’s a little better than yesterday (14th). I think I’ll have to check him out tomorrow (the 16th) as he’s playing catch.” “I think his ankle is fine, but I think he has a cramp in his finger. I’m going to take a day off today and check it out tomorrow when I throw the ball.”
Won has had some bad experiences with rain this season. Before the game against KT in Daegu on the 14th, he was unable to pitch due to rain on two occasions.
“It always happens with Won Tae-in,” Park said. There were times when I had to wait for more than an hour to play. Yesterday, it happened briefly, but I’m glad it went quickly,” Park said. “(Won) Tae-in was injured two years ago while pitching in such a situation. We had to pull him early both times to protect him. It cost him two games (personally),” he said with a bitter laugh.
Fortunately, that didn’t happen against KT. Taking the mound in the top of the sixth inning under heavy raindrops, Won gave up a leadoff double to Jang Jang-woo, but did his job by not allowing any more runs. The game was then suspended for 71 minutes due to rain, but the game continued as normal until the ninth inning.
Coach Park Jin-man said, “(Won Tae-in) is competitive and greedy like a young player. Such a player can grow up later. He has that ability,” and gave a thumbs-up.
Ahn’s performance against KT was particularly impressive. In the bottom of the fourth inning, with Samsung trailing 0-2, he came to the plate as a pinch-hitter for Kim Tae-hoon and took a four-pitch, 146-kilometer fastball from opposing starter Choi Byeol-sung for a two-run double to right field. It would prove to be the game-winning hit. 메이저사이트
“In that situation, if we didn’t turn it around, it could have been a difficult game,” Park said, “and I think he played an important role in bringing the game to a close by sending down Jeobusung, who was pitching well,” he added.
Oh Jae-il, who suffered a hamstring strain against the KIA Tigers in Daegu on April 12, took batting practice today.