Who can stop Kim Taek-yeon's passion? The previous day, Doosan closer Kim Taek-yeon, who pitched 2 innings in 9 appearances, volunteered for another outing that day.

Professional baseball Doosan Bears manager Lee Seung-yeop met with the press ahead of the second match of the season against Hanwha Eagles at Seoul's Jamsil Stadium on the 9th and expressed astonishment at closer Kim Taek-yeon's passion for baseball.

Kim Taek-yeon supported the team's 11th-inning walk-off victory as he pitched 2 innings, striking out 3 batters without allowing a run in relief against Hanwha on the 8th. He faced No Si-hwan for a swinging strikeout in the top of the 9th, then induced a flyout to left field from Choi Eun-sung on the first pitch, followed by another swinging strikeout against Moon Hyun-bin. In the top of the 10th, he struck out one along with 12 pitches to retire Lee Won-seok, Lee Sang-hyuk, and Lee Jae-won in order. Thanks to his aggressive pitching, he threw only 22 pitches over 2 innings.

Manager Lee Seung-yeop said, “These days, I am often taken aback by Kim Taek-yeon's growth. I was worried that his pace during spring camp might be a bit slow, but seeing his preparation process, I have definitely realized that he is a different player. When Kim Taek-yeon goes out, I have 100% confidence in our victory. He is a pitcher who instills trust in the bench.”

Despite this, manager Lee Seung-yeop did not include Kim Taek-yeon in the setup plan for today's game due to stamina management. However, the player volunteered to pitch. Manager Lee Seung-yeop said, “I thought he would be tired after pitching 2 innings yesterday, but the player himself said he was fine. We might have to discuss whether he will participate today.”

Manager Lee Seung-yeop is always keeping an eye on the physical condition of Kim Taek-yeon, who pitched 65 innings in his debut last year. This is the reason for the careful consideration regarding Kim Taek-yeon's recent consecutive outings.

Manager Lee Seung-yeop said, “If there is even the slightest abnormality in Kim Taek-yeon's body, it’s obviously difficult for him to pitch. However, since we are continuously checking his physical condition, it will not be an issue that causes strain on him. We are closely monitoring Kim Taek-yeon's condition.”

Meanwhile, Doosan has set its starting lineup against Hanwha's ace Cody Ponce as follows: Kim Jung-soo (center fielder), Choi Jae-hyun (left fielder), Yang Eui-ji (catcher), Yang Seok-hwan (first baseman), Kang Seung-ho (third baseman), Kim Jae-hwan (designated hitter), Park Gye-beom (shortstop), Oh Myeong-jin (second baseman), and Jo Su-haeng (right fielder).

The keystone combination has switched from Park Jun-young (shortstop) and Park Gye-beom (second baseman) to Park Gye-beom (shortstop) and Oh Myeong-jin (second baseman). Oh Myeong-jin, a former batting champion from the exhibition games, created the foundation for the walk-off victory by getting a hit to right field in the 11th inning against Hanwha on the 8th.

On the first team roster, pitcher Kim Myung-sin has been removed while pitcher Choi Jong-in has been newly added. Kim Myung-sin struggled with 3 hits and 1 run in ⅓ inning against Hanwha the previous day.

Starting pitcher Cole Ervin's season record stands at 3 games, 2 wins, no losses, and an earned run average of 2.50, having secured a victory with 6 innings, 5 hits, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts, and 1 run allowed in his most recent appearance against Kiwoom Heroes on the 3rd.

Hanwha is facing Doosan for the first time, and the home stadium, Jamsil Stadium, has become a familiar backdrop for them with a record of 2 games, 2 wins, no losses, and an earned run average of 0.69.

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