Kim Gwang-hyun started the demonstration game against the Miami Marlins at Jupiter Rogerdin Chevrolet Stadium in Florida, USA on the 9th (Korean time), allowing 4 runs (6 hits) in 2.1 innings and lowered the mound. It is a steel plate for two consecutive games after falling down the mound without filling one inning in the first start of the demonstration game.
Kim Gwang-hyun, who is not fast on average in the American Professional Baseball (MLB), made a big success after breaking everyone’s expectations last year. With an average ERA of 1.62 during 39 innings and an on-base allowance rate of 1.02 per inning, if only the innings were filled, the rookie king could also aim. The secret of HOTTO was that the fast pitching tempo that steals the timing of the batters, the control that became more sophisticated than in the domestic era, and the lead of Yadier Molina matched. It was also helpful to gain confidence by performing a strikeout show from the time of the demonstration game.
The sluggish demonstration game this season is compared to last year. It is highly likely that the fast pitching tempo, which was a unique weapon, was somewhat analyzed by the opponent as the second season reached. In the first game of the day, hits-hits-walking-hits were allowed for the first four batters, but the pattern was completely read to the opponents.
Based on his performance last year, it is highly likely that Kim Gwang-hyun will be included in the roster selection rotation for the opening of this season. Although it is expected to be the third starter, the serious sluggishness in the demonstration game is fatal. The only thing that a starting pitcher, who is not fast in restraint, needs is an elaborate control and combination.
Director Mike Silt still expressed confidence in Kim Kwang-hyun. He said in an interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “Kim Kwang-hyun’s arrest was low in the last game, but today he has passed 90 miles per hour several times. We haven’t gotten the ball yet.” Kim Gwang-hyun recorded the highest fastball speed of 146.8 km on this day.
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