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[이데일리 스타in 이석무 기자] Yang Hyeon-jong (33), who aims to advance to the major leagues wearing the Texas Rangers uniform of the US professional baseball, allowed a home run in his first demonstration game.
On the 8th (Korean time), Yang Hyun-jong climbed to the mound with 5 pitchers in the 8th inning, ahead of 4-2 in the major league demonstration game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, held at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona, USA on the 8th (Korean time). He gave two and scored one.
After signing with Texas, Yang Hyun-jong, who started his first real fight, started off with a fresh strikeout with right-hander Sheldon Neuss, the first hitter. Then, he treated Omar Esteves with the center fielder’s floating ball, and easily caught 2 outs. However, after the two deaths, the right-handed hitter DJ Peters threw the ball in the middle of the ball count, 2 ball, 1 strike, and became a home run over the left side of the wall.
Yang Hyun-jong gave left-handed batter James Outman a hit that fell in front of right fielder. Fortunately, the next batter Elliott Soto’s missed hit was captured by shortstop Yoni Hernandez with a sprint, and Yang Hyun-jong was able to finish the inning. The match was played in 8 innings and Texas won 4-3. A save was recorded for Hyunjong Yang.
On this day, Texas tested candidates for starting pitching this season, including Yang Hyeon-jong. Starting pitching candidates Mike Poltinevic and Korean Dane Dunning each played 2 innings without a run. Jordan Ryles also blocked one inning without a run. On the other hand, Kyle Cody (two runs in two innings) and Yang Hyun-jong allowed a run.
In a video interview with the local media after the game, Yang Hyun-jong said, “It was a heart fluttering rather than a sense of tension.” He added, “It wasn’t good to start, but I think I can throw my ball next time I start,” he said.
“The home run was the only fault,” said Texas coach Chris Woodward, and “Yang Hyun-jong threw the ball as we saw it in the bullpen and saved it well.”