“He did a really good job.”

KT Wiz right-hander Jo Jo-hyun pitched five innings, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out three against the KIA Tigers in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at Katie Wiz Park in Suwon on Friday. He led KT to a 5-3 victory.

It was the first time in 726 days since October 9, 2021, against the Incheon Lotte, when he pitched in a SSG Landers uniform. After being called upon as a substitute due to a string of injuries to starters, Jo was up to the task.

The manager watching from the dugout was also pleased with his pitching. Speaking to reporters before the game against the Suwon Samsung Lions on June 6, Lee said, “We had a starting gap due to injuries to pitchers. The team was in a tough situation, so we put Joo-hyun in the starting lineup. He had a good curveball, slider, and forkball. We wanted him to last until the fifth inning, but he fulfilled our expectations,” he said, smiling at his surprise performance.

Jo’s victory was aided by his teammates. Manager Lee Kang-cheol said, “When I go out as a substitute, the defense must not make any mistakes. Yesterday, the fielders did a great job, and the bats were able to score runs, which made it easier for Jo Hyun to pitch.”

Thanks to Jo’s starting performance, KT was able to secure the victory with an ironclad bullpen. Lee Sang-dong, Kim Young-hyun, Joo Kwon, Son Dong-hyun, and Kim Jae-yoon took the mound one after another and kept the KIA bats at bay with minimal runs. Coach Lee Kang-cheol said, “Joo Hyun was able to keep us in the game until the fifth inning. There was a crisis, but everyone did a good job.”

Meanwhile, KT lined up against Samsung as Kim Sang-soo (shortstop), Hwang Jae-gyun (third base), Anthony Alford (left field), Park Byung-ho (first base), Jang Sung-woo (catcher), Moon Sang-chul (designated hitter), Bae Jeong-dae (center field), Shin Bon-ki (second base), and Ahn Chi-young (right field). Wes Benjamin will start on the mound.메이저사이트

Samsung’s lineup is Lee Jae-hyun (shortstop), Ahn Ju-hyung (second base), Koo Ja-uk (left field), Kang Min-ho (designated hitter), Jose Pirela (right field), Kim Jae-sang (catcher), Lee Sung-kyu (first base), Kim Young-woong (third base), and Kang Jun-seo (center field). The starting pitcher is Lee Ho-sung.

Lee Jae-hyun, who had a shoulder injury, has improved and was named to the starting lineup. Ryu Ji-hyuk, who suffered a thigh injury, will wait on the bench.