Jang Won-jun, the 38-year-old who led the Doosan dynasty in the mid-2010s, made his first start in 958 days to reach the 130-win plateau.
Kiwoom’s Chung Chan-heon, 33, took 325 days to pick up a priceless win.
Indomitable veterans, reporter Kim Han-joon reports.
A sharp slider misses the bat.
The next batter gets an out on a routine grounder to end the fifth inning.
In his first start in 958 days, Doosan’s Jang Won-jun picks up his 130th career win.
It’s a milestone only 10 other pitchers in the KBO have ever achieved.
Once an ace with eight consecutive years of double-digit wins, Jang Won-jun seemed to fade into obscurity over the years due to injuries and poor performances, but this time he has made a triumphant comeback.
▶ Interview: Won-Jun Jang / Doosan Bears Pitcher
- “It took me a long time (to come back), but my emotions were a little weird, so I guess it was a little bit.”
In the sixth inning, Kiwoom faced runners on first and second base.
He swings at a falling changeup and strikes out.
Chung pitched six scoreless innings to 안전놀이터 earn his first win in 325 days.
It was the perfect comeback for Chung, who nearly became a free agent after not finding a team until after this year’s exhibition games.
▶ Interview: Chung Chan-heon / Pitcher, Kiwoom Heroes
- “I was thinking about my family the most, and they waited with me and believed I could do it, so I’m glad the results came out well….”
It’s another history of Korean professional baseball, with veterans who are not forgotten by the years and fight with dignity.
This is MBN News’ Kim Han-jun.