Doosan Bears infielder Huh Kyung-min became the team's junior pitcher Choi Joon-ho's first winning helper with four hits, including a final hit.
Doosan won the first game of a doubleheader against KT WIZ 11-4 at Jamsil Stadium on May 12. Doosan, which won seven consecutive games with this victory, rose to fifth place in the league with 23 wins and 19 losses in the season.
On this day, Doosan gave up the first run in the top of the first inning. Choi Joon-ho allowed two runs against Kang Baek-ho and Moon Sang-chul for consecutive solo home runs.
Doosan, which missed a scoring opportunity with a double play in the bottom of the first inning with one out and runners on the first and third bases, succeeded in turning the tables for a moment in the bottom of the second inning. Doosan had a chance to hit the second and third bases with no outs with leadoff hitter Yang Seok-hwan's walk and Kim Jae-hwan's double in the bottom of the second inning. On top of that, KT starter Benjamin was replaced after complaining of elbow pain, resulting in a variable.
Follow-up hitter Ramos got a straight walk from changed pitcher Son Dong-hyun and created a full base opportunity with no outs. Kim Jae-ho's sacrifice fly ball then made up for one point. While Kim Dae-han got a walk and had a chance to load the bases again, Jung Soo-bin scored a tie with a straight walk. Since then, Huh Kyung-min's timely RBI reversal and Kang Seung-ho's timely two-run double have completed the big inning.
Doosan scored an additional run with Ramos' left double to center field after Kim Jae-hwan's walk in the bottom of the third inning. Doosan scored points one by one with Kim Dae-han's sacrifice fly ball to right field after Kim Jae-ho's sacrifice bunt.
Doosan starter Choi Joon-ho met the requirements for his first win since his debut by blocking KT's batting line with two runs until the fifth inning. Doosan ran to 8-2 with Kim Jae-ho's RBI timely hit in the bottom of the fifth inning with one out and a third base opportunity.
Choi Joon-ho also took the mound in the top of the sixth inning and tied the inning with a double play and a rookie strikeout. Since his debut, he has achieved the most innings (6 innings) in a game and his first quality start at the same time. Choi Jun-ho recorded five hits (two homers) and six strikeouts, one walk and two runs in six innings.
After that, Doosan sealed the victory with Heo Kyung-min's throwing dune and Yang Eui-ji's two-run timely hit in the bottom of the seventh inning.
After the game, Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop said, "Starting pitcher Choi Joon-ho played a big role in winning the first game of the doubleheader. He hit a back-to-back home run from the start, but he later recovered stability and recorded a quality start pitch. He was responsible for six innings and had a good impact on the management of the bullpen ahead of the second game. I sincerely congratulate him on his first victory since his debut, and I look forward to his continued performance," he said, delighted with Choi Jun-ho's first victory in his debut.
Director Lee then said, "The beast seniors also made Choi Joon-ho's shoulders easier. In particular, the scene where Jung Soo-bin, Heo Kyung-min, and Kang Seung-ho showed concentration in the second chance and completed the big inning was crucial. I also want to praise Ramos, who is revitalizing his team with his passionate play. We will prepare to show good games in the second round to the fans who visited the ballpark on the weekend," he said.
Heo Kyung-min, who achieved 250 career doubles in addition to his first four-hit game of the season, also said, "I'm happy to win the first game of the double header. (Choi) Jun-ho allowed consecutive homeruns from the first inning, but he was able to win by throwing his ball without being shaken. "I sincerely congratulate (Choi) Jun-ho on his first start since his debut," he said, sending a congratulatory message to his junior team.
Huh Kyung-min then said, "The batting indicators are showing good results right now, but I don't care much. The team atmosphere is so good. From young players to veteran players, everyone is doing so well. I will also do my best to continue my winning streak by preparing well for the second game of the double header," he said.
Meanwhile, Doosan will face KT starter Yuk Cheong-myung in the second game of the following doubleheader, with starting batters leading to Jung Soo-bin (center fielder), Heo Kyung-min (third baseman), Kang Seung-ho (second baseman), Yang Ji (designated hitter), Yang Seok-hwan (first baseman), Ramos (right fielder), Kim Ki-yeon (pitch), Jeon Min-jae (striker), and Cho Ha-haeng (left fielder). Doosan's starting pitcher is Kwak Bin.
Jamsil (Seoul) = Kim Han-ki, reporter for MK Sports
