“I want to pitch well every game.”
Kiwoom Heroes’ Choi Won-tae started the seventh game of the season against the Samsung Lions of the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on Tuesday and pitched six innings of four-hit ball (one home run), three walks, five strikeouts, and two runs to help his team win 7-2. He picked up his sixth win of the season.
Aside from a two-run shot off Jose Pirela in the first inning, there were no major crises. He was clean. Steady.
Choi extended his streak of quality starts (six innings or less) to eight, dating back to May 10 against the LG Electronics Co. He is now 6-3 with a 2.71 ERA in 14 games this season.
Head coach Hong Won-ki said, “Choi Won-tae gave up a run in the first inning, but he settled down as the innings went on. He fulfilled his duties as a starter until the sixth inning.”
Before the game, Coach Hong Won-ki said, “Choi Won-tae is pitching innings comparable to Ahn Woo-jin. He is playing the role of an ace,” and he must have heard the praise, because he has won the hearts of his commanders with his clean pitching.
After the game, Choi Won-tae commented, “I wasn’t satisfied with my pitches at the beginning of the game because they didn’t go the way I wanted them to, but thanks to (Lee) Ji-young’s lead, I was able to throw with ease.”
“I want to pitch well in every game, and I can’t control the number of wins, but I think it’s my role to create a situation where the team can win,” he said responsibly.안전놀이터
Choi Won-tae will be dropped from the first team roster after this game. In a season of long races, it’s better to filter the rotation once in a while.
He said, “I will rest well and prepare for the rest of the season. I’m grateful to the coach for his concern.”