“I have achieved more than 3 wins.”
NC Dinos utility player Choi Jeong-won (25) collapsed after being hit by a fastball from Choi Ji-min during the game against KIA on the 14th in Changwon. The strong impact of the headshot could have led to lingering effects. He was diagnosed with a simple concussion but needed to be monitored. However, Choi Jeong-won has remained on the first team without being removed from the roster. He actively appealed, saying, “I have a strong will to stay on the first team,” and coach Lee Ho-jun accepted the player's determination and utilized Choi Jeong-won as cautiously as possible.
Choi Jeong-won's role is primarily as a pinch runner. Recently, he has led the team to victories repeatedly as a pinch runner. Ahead of the game against Lotte on the 25th, coach Lee Ho-jun said, “He is an energetic friend. When he goes out, he prepares well to advance an extra base. I think we have really won more than 3 games because of Choi Jeong-won. That is what he needed to do. He is the first specialist to go out. I consider outfield defense first and send him out.” On the 22nd against KT in Suwon, Choi Jeong-won appeared as a pinch runner for Kim Hwi-jip, who walked, during the 8th inning tied at 0-0. He reached third base on Kim Joo-won's single and created opportunities with one out and runners on first and third base. Later, during Kwon Hee-dong's strikeout, he scored at home plate with a double steal, giving the team a precious first run. Ultimately, the team won 2-0.
On the 25th against Lotte in Changwon, Choi Jeong-won's speed shone. In the bottom of the 6th inning tied at 2-2, he stepped on first base as a pinch runner for Kwon Hee-dong, who walked. Davidson's single allowed the team to continue with one out and runners on first and second base. When Park Geon-woo came to bat, he executed a surprise steal of third base on the first pitch, amplifying the opportunity to one out and runners on first and third. Although Lotte tried to reverse the call with video review, the safe call was maintained. The probability of scoring increased. Ultimately, Park Geon-woo's timely hit to left field allowed Choi Jeong-won to touch home plate. They took the lead with a score of 3-2, and thereafter NC widened the gap to 7-2 and secured the victory.
Choi Jeong-won's run became the winning run and contributed to ace Riley Thompson's 10th win. Riley pitched 6 innings, throwing 108 pitches with 3 hits allowed, 1 walk, 9 strikeouts, and 2 earned runs. Despite his excellent performance, he could have left with a no decision, but Choi Jeong-won created a run with his legs, fulfilling the requirements for his 10th win. Riley became the second pitcher in the league to achieve 10 wins, following Cody Ponce from Hanwha.
Riley also noted, “I am glad that Choi Jeong-won is on the same team. He is always a threat on the bases. I think he might be the fastest player in the KBO,” and expressed gratitude and admiration for Choi Jeong-won's base running play.
There is no rule that a backup cannot shine. Even if one is not a starter, if they quietly perform their role from their position, their value is inevitably recognized by those around them. Such players are also needed on the team. Choi Jeong-won is being recognized for that value.
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