“I think it might be fate as an ace.”
Kiwoom Heroes, led by coach Hong Won-ki, lost 1-4 in the 5th game of the season against KT Wiz in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League held at Suwon KT Wiz Park the previous day, ending their 5-game winning streak against KT.
Ace Ahn Woo-jin came out as the starter that day. An Woo-jin did his part. However, two errors by fielders in the sixth inning got in the way. As the number of pitches increased in the 6th inning, he eventually came down the mound. On this day, Ahn Woo-jin recorded 4 hits, 3 walks, 8 strikeouts and 3 runs (2 earned) in 5 innings, writing the yoke of defeat.
This season, Ahn Woo-jin has played 10 games and recorded an average ERA of 1.88 with 3 wins and 3 losses. He has an on-base percentage of 0.95 per inning and a good batting average of 0.194. In particular, the strikeout that overpowers the opponent is by far the No. 1 in the league. He also has eight innings of quality starts (three earned runs or less in six innings of starts). QS-strikeouts-most innings 1st, ERA average 3rd. It is steady enough that it has never exceeded 3 runs before the 5th inning this season.
However, the number of wins is only 3. The other line is not bursting. On the day Ahn Woo-jin came to the mound, Kiwoom scored more than 5 points in only four games. He has not received support from the other line to such an extent that he has lost a game even if he played well with 7 innings and 1 run (against Changwon NC on April 7). Among the three pitchers with an ERA of 1 point, Ahn Woo-jin is the only one who failed to win 5 games.
Manager Hong Won-ki, whom we met before the game, also said, “Isn’t this the fate of an ace? He showed apologetic, saying, “It’s not a mistake, but he can’t help scoring, so he himself will be very frustrated.”안전놀이터
Coach Hong continued, “There will come a day when the other line will provide some support for scoring. Until then, I hope he will show the maximum he can operate on the mound,” he encouraged.
On the other hand, Kiwoom, who is aiming for the winning series against KT during the week, is Lee Jung-hoo (center fielder) – Lim Ji-yeol (left fielder) – Kim Hye-seong (designated hitter) – Edison Russell (shortstop) – Lee Won-seok (1st baseman) – Lee Hyung-jong (right fielder) – Kim Hwi-jip (3rd baseman) -Song Seong-moon (2nd baseman)-Kim Dong-heon (catcher). The starting pitcher is Eric Yokishi.