Could the four-day interval pitching be a problem?
Cody Ponce, evaluated as the top pitcher in the KBO League, had the most runs allowed. In a game against the KIA Tigers at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on Aug. 8, he pitched 5 innings, allowing 5 hits (2 home runs), 3 walks, and recording 7 strikeouts with 5 earned runs. The relief pitcher gave up the 5-5 tie, failing to earn his 10th win. His undefeated streak continued.
In the first inning, the batting lineup scored first, but in the bottom of the first, with one out and a runner on first, Oh Seon-woo hit a 154 km/h two-seam fastball for a towering two-run homer, allowing a turnaround. In the second inning, facing a crisis with 2 outs and runners on first and second after allowing 2 hits, he managed to prevent any runs. The batting lineup also delivered a 2-RBI turnaround hit from Florior in the second, and Lee Jin-young had a 2-RBI timely hit in the third, giving the team a 5-2 lead.
In the third inning, he seemed to showcase his power by striking out Oh Seon-woo, Choi Hyung-woo, and Wisdom with fast breaking balls. However, in the bottom of the third, with one out, he allowed a solo home run to Hwang Dae-in. It was his sixth home run allowed this season and his second multi-home run game. He also retired the side in order in the fifth, achieving the requirements for his 10th win. A rapid unbeaten 10-win mark was in sight.
However, in the bottom of the sixth, hitting the leadoff hitter Choi Hyung-woo was the problem. He faced Wisdom but issued a walk. Even though he showcased his stamina by throwing a 156 km/h fastball on his 104th pitch, his control became shaky. Judging that it was no longer possible to pitch, the Hanwha bench signaled for a replacement, and he was taken out.
Park Sang-won, who came in as relief, induced Choi Won-jun to hit a ground ball to the shortstop, but it did not lead to a double play. Facing Hwang Dae-in, who had hit a home run, he allowed a double that slipped into left-center field on a favorable count, tying the game. Ponce's earned runs also rose to 5, marking his personal highest. His earned run average increased from 1.80 to 2.20.
His stuff was impressive. He topped out at 156 km/h, averaged 153 km/h with his four-seam fastball, and used a curve in the 130 km/h range, along with a slider and change-up in the 140 km/h range. The results of the four-day interval pitching resulted in the most runs allowed. One could say that KIA's hitters showed good concentration. However, with scouts from the Major League Baseball (New York Mets) watching, his 154 km/h two-seam and fastball resulted in home runs. One wonders what evaluations were given.
/sunny@osen.co/.kr
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