"I can't believe I'm going to the Champions Field...".

Kia Tigers second-year right-handed pitcher Sung Young-tak (21) is becoming a key asset for the bullpen. On the 8th, he made the best contribution since his promotion to the first team in the game against the Hanwha Eagles at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field. After starter Yang Hyun-jong collapsed with 5 earned runs, he came in to relieve with 1 out, runners on first and second in the 3rd inning and recorded 2⅔ innings with 2 hits, 1 strikeout, and no earned runs.

The opposing starter was top pitcher Cody Ponce. With the team trailing 2-5, preventing additional runs allowed the batters to rally and tie the game. Ponce allowed a personal-high 5 earned runs. In the end, after a tight extra inning, they won 7-6 thanks to the opponent's walk-off error in the bottom of the 10th. Manager Lee Beom-ho noted, "Young-tak created the opportunity for a comeback," expressing gratitude.

He was not included in the first team rotation ahead of the season. He was a second-year developmental player drafted in the 10th round (98th overall) from Busan High School. He became an official player on May 20 when he was promoted to the first team. He was assigned the role of multi-inning reliever when the starters struggled. In his first appearance against KT, he pitched 2 innings with 1 hit and no earned runs, catching attention.

In the game against Samsung, he allowed inherited runners to score due to a push walk and a timely hit. While it wasn't his earned run, it was a harsh lesson in the pros. Since then, he managed to go as far as 2 innings without allowing any runs, and in the game against Doosan on the 4th, he entered with a 2-run lead and secured his first hold. He pitched well in front of a full crowd, lighting a green light for entrance into the winning rotation.

On the 7th, against Hanwha, he pitched in the 8th inning with the score tied at 2-2, recording 1 out, and laid the groundwork for victory with a scoreless performance in relief of a top pitcher. Since his debut in the first team, he had achieved 8 games and 10 innings without allowing an earned run. With Kim Geon-guk's injury, he has alleviated the concerns about the absence of a right-handed pitcher capable of handling multi-innings. Although drafted in the 10th round, with the help of the second team staff and continuous effort, he has become a key asset.

Eventually, Manager Lee remarked, "I will consider him for appearances in winning games going forward," indicating the possibility of his selection for the winning rotation. After the game, he was named a standout player and received cheers from home fans. It was a day to savor playing in the first team after two years. He displayed humility, saying, "It was more about the batters hitting well against tough pitchers and scoring, which led to the win."

When he takes the mound, he induces ground balls or fouls with a maximum pitch of 147 km/h with a two-seam fastball and a cutter. He also occasionally throws a curveball with a significant drop. Moreover, all are thrown into the strike zone. In 10 innings, he has allowed only 3 walks, with none in June. He can even throw strikes with breaking balls in disadvantageous counts. He no longer trembles on the mound.

"It seems that I have good command and the ability to throw breaking balls for strikes in disadvantageous counts. I faced many difficult games during high school. I have experience pitching in finals twice, so I didn’t encounter significant challenges. In my second year, it was the Bonghwa Flag, and in my third year, it was the Golden Lions Cup. I seem to adapt well as I have pitched in a spirited atmosphere with much cheering," he promoted his strengths.

He continued, "I was nervous in my first appearance (against Suwon KT), but I felt it might work. I faced a top lineup, and they seemed to have a hard time reacting to my pitches. I seem to be receiving a lot of expectations. I’m happy to be returning the favor. Waking up in the morning and heading to Champions Field makes me very proud. Every pitch I throw feels great. When the opportunity comes, I will definitely capitalize on it. I believe it will help me in a bigger role during winning games," expressing his confidence.

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