"Throwing the ball is not everything."
Yoon Seung-bin, who was selected first overall by the Lotte Giants in professional baseball, showcased his extraordinary pitching skills during an away game against the NC Dinos in the Futures League held at Changwon NC Park on the 28th. After starting pitcher Shim Jae-min, Yoon Seung-bin came in as the second pitcher in the fourth inning, silencing the opposing lineup with 3 innings, 1 hit allowed, 1 walk, and 5 strikeouts without allowing any runs. On this day, Yoon Seung-bin's top speed reached 159 km/h.
After getting leadoff hitter Go Seung-wan to pop out, Yoon Seung-bin struck out Kim Se-hun and Kim Beom-jun in succession. In the fifth inning, Yoon Seung-bin sent Oh Young-soo and Park Joo-chan back with a pop-up and a strikeout, but after two outs, he found himself in a jam with Jo Chang-yeon’s single and Han Jae-hwan’s walk putting runners on first and second. He finished the inning by striking out Kim Jeong-ho. In the sixth inning, Yoon Seung-bin completed his mission by bundling up Jeong Hyun-chang (groundout to second base), Go Seung-wan (strikeout), and Kim Se-hun (flyout to right field).
Yoon Seung-bin has appeared in the Futures stage 8 times this season, recording 2 wins and no losses with an earned run average of 2.30. He has tallied 49 strikeouts over 27⅓ innings. However, he has been underwhelming on the first-team stage. On the 20th, he collapsed against the LG Twins, allowing 4 hits, 7 walks, 2 strikeouts, and 9 earned runs in 1 inning. Perhaps that’s why, despite Yoon Seung-bin showcasing his extraordinary pitching in the Futures stage, head coach Kim Tae-hyoung noted that he was still not satisfied. The fastballs approaching 160 km/h are a strength, but the implication was that there are many areas that need improvement.
Ahead of the game against the Daegu Samsung Lions on the 29th, head coach Kim Tae-hyoung met with reporters and said, "If the opportunity arises to pitch in the first team, I will pitch." He added, "Throwing the ball is not everything. We also need to see game management ability. In the first team, bunting defense and pick-off ability must also be supported." He further noted, "Throwing a fast ball greatly increases the success rate, but the other areas need to be complemented."
Lotte's starting lineup consisted of center fielder Jang Du-seong, second baseman Go Seung-min, designated hitter Víctor Reyes, left fielder Jeon Jun-woo, right fielder Yoon Dong-hee, shortstop Jeon Min-jae, first baseman Na Seung-yeop, and third baseman Son Ho-young, with catcher Son Seung-bin. The 'glasses ace' Park Se-woong will take the mound as the starting pitcher. Coach Kim Tae-hyoung discussed the current condition of Yoo Kang-nam, who suffered a bruise, saying, "It seems difficult for today’s game. If it is still not good by tomorrow, we will have to remove him from the first team roster."
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