Doosan Bears ace Kwak Bin delivered a dominant performance, including pitches exceeding 160 km/h, to lead his team to a crucial victory and snap a losing streak. The Bears secured a 7-2 win against the Kiwoom Heroes on May 29th at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul, marking their 60th win of the season (60-4-52). This win pulled the fifth-place Bears out of a two-game skid and was their first win without a decision in 11 games. The struggling Heroes, who have now lost three consecutive games and five straight on the road, remain at the bottom of the league standings with a 43-4-75 record.
Kwak Bin’s Record-Breaking Fastball and Dominant Outing
Starting pitcher Kwak Bin was the undeniable star of the game. He pitched six innings, allowing five hits, three walks, and striking out eight batters while giving up two earned runs. His performance earned him his 11th win of the season against four losses. This victory also marked a significant duel against Kiwoom’s An Woo-jin, a fellow ace and former teammate, in their first regular-season start against each other.
In the bottom of the first inning, Kwak Bin unleashed a fastball clocked at an astonishing 160.3 km/h, shattering his previous career-high of 159.1 km/h. This electrifying display of speed occurred in front of scouts from five Major League Baseball organizations: the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, and Kansas City Royals, adding to the significance of his achievement. He was supported by a strong bullpen, with Takada Takuro, Kim Taek-yeon, and Lee Young-ha each pitching a scoreless inning in relief.
Offensive Firepower Seals the Win
The Doosan offense provided ample support for Kwak Bin’s stellar pitching. Ahn Jae-seok was the offensive catalyst, delivering a career-first multi-homer game. He finished the day with an impressive line: 4 hits, including 2 home runs, 4 RBIs, and 2 runs scored, essentially carrying the team’s offense. Park Chan-ho contributed with 2 hits, 2 runs scored, and a walk in 3 at-bats. Park Jun-soon added 2 hits and a run scored in 4 at-bats, while Sevearino chipped in with 1 hit and 2 RBIs.
The late-game offense was also crucial. Kim Dae-han hit his third home run of the season in the bottom of the eighth inning, further solidifying the Bears’ lead and eliciting cheers from the home crowd.
Managerial Praise for Stellar Performances
Following the game, Doosan Bears manager Kim Won-hyung lauded his team’s performance, particularly highlighting Kwak Bin’s exceptional pitching. “Starting pitcher Kwak Bin showed a powerful performance with his 160 km/h fastball,” Kim stated. “He took responsibility as our ace, pitching with all his heart to break the losing streak. Following him, Takada, Kim Taek-yeon, and Lee Young-ha also pitched scoreless innings in relief.”
The manager also commended the offensive contributions. “At the plate, Ahn Jae-seok had a ‘one-man show’. From the first inning’s lead-off hit to the game-winning home run and later a solo shot, he had an outstanding day. Our defense also showed no weaknesses.” Kim elaborated on the pivotal fifth inning, where the Bears extended their lead. “After Park Jun-soon’s hit, Yang Eui-ji and Kim Min-seok drew walks to load the bases, and Sevearino delivered a two-RBI hit.”
Kim Won-hyung concluded the interview by praising the top of the lineup. “Park Chan-ho, batting leadoff, did a great job leading the offense with multiple hits. Kim Dae-han also swung aggressively for his home run.”
Looking Ahead
With this significant victory, the Doosan Bears aim to continue their winning momentum. They are scheduled to send Choi Min-seok to the mound as their starting pitcher on May 30th, hoping to extend their winning streak. The Kiwoom Heroes, meanwhile, plan to counter with Jeon Jun-pyo in their next outing.
