No matter how fast the ball is, if it doesn’t control, it’s not a cannonball, but a water balloon.
Hanwha Eagles fans must have had high expectations ahead of the SSG Landers game on the 13th. 3 wins in a row for the first time in a long time. Moon Dong-ju was the starter for the 4-game winning streak. The opponent is rookie Song Young-jin. He must have had enough confidence that he could win given the recent momentum and weight of the starting pitcher.
However, Moon Dong-ju collapsed miserably. 7 hits, 3 walks, 2 walks and 7 runs in 2⅓ innings. The batting line gave up 3 runs in the 1st inning and created a good atmosphere, but there was no way to help when Moon Dong-ju collapsed, giving up 5 runs only in the 3rd inning. It was the worst pitch of the season.
The match between Hanwha Eagles and SSG Landers was held at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 13th. Choi Jae-hoon is reading Moon Dong-ju, who allowed 2 RBI hits to Choi Ji-hoon with one out and bases loaded at the bottom of the 3rd inning. Incheon = Reporter Jeong Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com/2023.5.13/
The 3rd was decisive. Including the lead Choi Jeong-jeong, he allowed 2 walks, 2 walks and 3 hits. From the beginning of the game, he seemed to be struggling to get a strike, but in the third inning, his pitch was completely shaken. It was the ball from the moment it left the hand, and the ball flew dangerously toward the batters’ bodies.
So the hitters only needed to see through Moon Dong-ju’s condition and aim for the fast ball that would come in to catch the count. Looking at Kim Seong-hyun’s infield hits, he hits a 154km fastball with perfect timing. Choi Ji-hoon, who hit a decisive two-run double, also picked out a curve that was out of control and aimed for a 154km fastball for the second pitch.
Moon Dong-joo is Hanwha’s biggest hit product this season and the most anticipated player for baseball fans. He threw a 160km cannon ball fastball for the first time in KBO history. Last season, if he stood out as a rookie who threw only fast balls, this season he was showing his growth as a starting pitcher.
The match between Hanwha Eagles and SSG Landers was held at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 13th. At the end of the 3rd inning, Moon Dong-ju is apologizing for throwing a sand ball at warrior Choi Jeong. Incheon = Reporter Jeong Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com/2023.5.13/
But there are still ups and downs. The ‘Pongdang Pongdang’ game continues this season. The previous match against KT Wiz failed to continue the upward trend of 5 innings and 1 run, and collapsed in the SSG match. On April 18, against the Doosan Bears, he threw well with 5⅔ innings scoreless, and then against the NC Dinos, he became a losing pitcher with 4 runs in 6 innings.스포츠토토
In the end, the key is self-discipline. He is known for his fast ball, but he needs to reduce his pitching to expand his position as a starter. If a game like the SSG game comes out again, it will be difficult for the benches and fans to believe and see it as a ‘must win’. No matter how fast the ball is, it is a characteristic of baseball that it is of no use if the ball is not controlled. The gap between the fastball pitcher and the pitcher is an eternal homework. It is difficult for pitchers who throw fast balls to have perfect control. You have to find the middle ground well.
Of course, it would have been a burden to the young pitcher. It was a challenge for the team to win 4 in a row, and it was the first pitch in front of the new manager who changed two days ago. Because it was a weekend game, the spectators were sold out. It was a situation where I had no choice but to tremble in many ways. Lack of experience is exposed in this case. I think it’s important not to be disappointed and treat it as a growing pain.