KIA Tigers’ native ace Yang Hyeon-jong (35) blamed himself for the sluggishness in the first half and pledged to rebound in the second half.
In an interview held at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 15th, Yang Hyeon-jong said, “Looking back on the first half, I don’t think I scored less than 50 points.” The grades weren’t good,” he said.카지노
Yang Hyeon-jong made 16 appearances in the first half of this season, recording an average ERA of 3.79 with 5 wins, 5 losses, and 82 strikeouts. There were only 6 quality starts (6 or more starting innings, 3 earned or less), and 5 or less innings pitched 8 times, half of them.
Last year, his first season after returning from a major league (MLB) challenge, he played 18 games in the first half and pitched 106 innings, posting an average of 2.97 earned run average with 8 wins, 4 losses and 79 strikeouts. His grades are definitely down from a year ago. In particular, since June, his performance has not been good with an average ERA of 5.72 with 2 wins and 4 losses in 8 games.
In the last game of the first half on the 13th, the KIA lost 1-4 to the Samsung Lions as Yang Hyeon-jong was shaken with 3 runs (2 earned) in 5 innings, and the streak ended in 6 games.
Yang Hyeon-jong said, “When I started, the team had to win as much as possible, but the result was not very good. It was difficult for the team to win because I conceded too many runs. It was the first half that I really reflected on a lot.”
Still, the season is not over yet, and Yang Hyeon-jong still has a chance to make up for it. KIA, which has 68 games remaining, is also behind the fifth-place Lotte Giants by one game, so it can rise to a higher rank.
Yang Hyeon-jong said, “Our team’s focus in the second half is ‘hitting.’ There is a lot to look forward to,” he said.
KIA’s team ERA is 3.81, ranking 4th out of 10 clubs. However, the starting average ERA is 4.23, which is less competitive. In such a situation, I made a river change to change all two foreign pitchers, but the first button is on the right side.
Mario Sanchez had 6⅓ innings, 5 hits (1 home run), 10 strikeouts and 1 run against KT Wiz on the 10th.
Yang Hyeon-jong said, “It will be more intense than now in the second half. If two foreign pitchers continue to do their part, it will be a big plus for the team. However, there are variables such as the weather becoming very hot now, so we will have to watch the foreign pitchers a little more. It’s the same,” he said cautiously.
The KBO League will return to the second half on the 21st after taking a short break. KIA will play Gwangju 3rd place against Doosan Bears, who are on a 9-game winning streak. For KIA, it is necessary to achieve good results in these three consecutive matches to continue the good atmosphere.
Yang Hyeon-jong said, “KIA and Doosan are very important three-game matches. Both teams will put all their efforts, such as putting in the 1st to 3rd starters. If we, who have the home advantage, do well, the atmosphere of the squad can rise.” Everyone is working hard for the team. If we come together like that, we will be able to produce good results.”
This season, a much fiercer mid-table battle is unfolding than in previous years, with the cars in 3rd and 9th places recording 7 games. The stress is not small for the players who have to continue to spend a war-like day.
Yang Hyeon-jong said, “It seems that every game is a war. Rather than worrying about other teams, it is more important that we continue to accumulate victories.” We believe in each other that we will do it.”