Right pitcher Jang Pil-joon (35), who is considered a candidate for the Samsung Lions’ ‘5 starter’, gave up 5 runs in 3 innings early.
Jang Pil-jun started in the 2023 KBO League 스포츠토토demonstration game against Kiwoom Heroes held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 23rd, but was sluggish, conceding 5 runs in the second inning.
Jang Pil-joon allowed lead hitter Kim Hye-seong to hit from the first pitch, but struck out Lim Byeong-wook, grounded Lee Jung-hoo, and right-field flyout Russell to finish the inning neatly in 10 pitches.
However, he bowed his head, allowing 5 runs in the second inning. Jang Pil-joon gave up a heavy hit to lead batter Kim Tae-jin, a hit ball to Lee Hyeong-jong, and a timely double to Song Seong-moon from 1st and 2nd base, and gave up a run at the right time. A walk in the heat, Kim Hye-sung gave up a timely hit to first base in the left field and conceded another run.
After sending out 6 batters, Byeong-wook Lim struck out, but with 1 out and bases loaded, Jung-hu Lee gave up 2 RBIs and timely hits, allowing a total of 5 runs. Samsung managed to finish the inning by catching Russell’s ground ball as a double play.
Jang Pil-joon, who came back to the mound in the third inning, allowed Song Seong-moon a heavy double, but came down the mound after putting the rest of the hitters out with the help of fielders. Jang Pil-joon was replaced with Won Tae-in in the 4th episode. He threw a total of 49. It’s a faster-than-expected grater.
Before the game that day, Samsung coach Park Jin-man said, “Jang Pil-joon is going to throw 60-70 pitches in 4 innings”, but Jang Pil-jun came down with only 49 pitches in 3 innings. Jang Pil-joon is Samsung’s fifth selection candidate.
Samsung is currently looking for one starting pitcher after foreign pitchers David Buchanan, Albert Suarez, Won Tae-in, and Baek Jung-hyun. So far, it is a two-way match between Jang Pil-jun and Yang Chang-seop. Manager Park said, “Jang Pil-jun is also a candidate for the 5th starter, but Yang Chang-seop has been in really good shape lately. The two players are competing. I will watch the game today (23rd).” However, Jang Pil-joon is sluggish on this day, and the weight is focused on Yang Chang-seop.
Jang Pil-joon’s restraint on this day was 145 km per hour, and the curve dropped to 111 km. He struck out two, but had a ball count of 20 while throwing 49 pitches.