By Moon Sung-dae Reporter = Ace Ahn Woo-jin is set to end the Kiwoom Heroes’ losing streak.
Ahn Woo-jin will start the home game against the Lotte Giants of the 2023 Shinhan Bank Solar KBO League at the Gocheok Sky Dome on Aug. 8.
Kiwoom has recently fallen into an eight-game losing streak. Kiwoom, which was battling for fifth place in the standings until early July, has dropped to ninth after a string of losses. Kiwoom (41 wins, 3 draws, 57 losses) is now in danger of falling to the bottom of the table.
Last year’s Korean Series runner-up, Kiwoom was favored to reach the postseason for the sixth consecutive year this year with the KBO’s top hitter Lee Jung-hoo and ace Ahn Woo-jin.
However, the team struggled with the loss of foreign-born slugger Edison Russell and the release of pitcher Eric Yokishi.
To make matters worse, the team was further weakened by the loss of top hitter Lee Jung-hoo to ankle surgery and the trade of homegrown ace Choi Won-tae to the LG Twins.
Kiwoom’s players are clinging to hope, but the distance between them and the postseason contenders has grown even further.
Kiwoom will try to end their losing streak to restore their honor. Leading the way is Ahn Woo-jin.
The KBO’s top fastball pitcher has struggled this year, posting just seven wins and a 2.48 ERA in seven starts. In his last four games, he has gone 1-3.
However, his ERA, strikeout rate, and walks allowed per inning (WHIP) are among the best in the league.
On April 2 against the LG Twins, Ahn pitched six scoreless innings before giving up four runs in the seventh inning. He was unable to overcome the pressure of an 0-0 deficit and took the loss.메이저놀이터
In two appearances against Lotte this year, Ahn is winless with one loss and a 2.45 ERA. Despite the lack of a win, she has been effective in shutting down the Lotte bats. In nine games at home, he was also strong, going 4-2 with a 2.56 ERA.
Lotte’s counterpart, Charlie Barnes, is even stronger against Kiwoom.
Barnes has pitched three games against Kiwoom this season, going 2-0 with a 1.15 ERA. Lotte has a 5-3 record against Kiwoom this year.