Jang Hyun-sik Shows Promise in First Start as LG Pitcher
LG Twins pitcher Jang Hyun-sik has successfully transitioned to a starting role, making a notable debut on the mound against the KIA Tigers. In his first start since joining the team, Jang pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs in a mid-week series game held at Gwangju Championship Field.
Performance Highlights and Strategic Shift
During his outing, Jang recorded 14 outs, throwing a total of 61 pitches. While he issued three walks, leading to nine baserunners, he managed to limit the damage to just two runs. Notably, one of those runs scored on a solo home run by Na Sung-bum.
The decision to move Jang into the starting rotation was a carefully considered one. After over a year in a relief capacity, during which he struggled to establish himself, the team adopted a suggestion from pitching coach Kim Kwang-sam. Recognizing Jang’s physical condition and potential, the coaching staff believed a change in role could be beneficial.
Managerial Insight on the Transition
LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop expressed confidence in the strategic shift prior to the game. “The pitcher is expected to throw around 60 pitches today and 80 tomorrow,” Yeom stated. “While the specifics are confidential, a complete overhaul of his pitching design has enabled him to go deep into games. He has transformed into a pitcher who pitches aggressively, even if it means getting hit, rather than avoiding contact.”
This change in approach has been evident in recent appearances. Jang delivered 4 scoreless innings against the NC Dinos on the 5th and another 4 2/3 scoreless innings against the SSG Landers on the 11th, culminating in his first start.
Dedication and Future Opportunities
Manager Yeom highlighted the team’s collective effort and determination. “We fought and worked hard together to make this work. He was pushed to the limit,” Yeom recounted. “The pitching coach suggested, ‘Let’s try using him for a long stretch.’ He has prior starting experience from his youth and possesses good fundamental stamina. He can still throw well after exceeding 40 pitches.”
Yeom further elaborated on the positive impact of Jang’s performance. “Being able to pitch four or more innings against any hitter opens up possibilities for victory. This significantly increases our chances of returning to a winning record. His regained confidence is also substantial,” he explained. Yeom indicated that if Jang continues to perform, he will be given at least two starts, and potentially more opportunities within the month if he excels.
Technical Evaluation of Starting Pitchers
Regarding the mechanics of starting pitchers, Yeom commented, “Starting pitchers just need to have good throwing mechanics. A pitcher like Kim Young-woo lacks fundamental skills. Jang Hyun-sik, however, distributes force well through his upper body, making him a suitable candidate.”
Game Progression and Key Moments
Jang Hyun-sik’s performance met expectations, allowing him to complete 5 innings. He surrendered a leadoff solo home run to Yoon Dong-hyun in the first inning but quickly regrouped by striking out Kim Ho-ryeong with a called third strike. Kim Do-yeong was then retired on a ground ball to first base.
The first inning saw Jang throw only four pitches. The second inning presented the most significant challenge. Despite striking out Na Sung-bum on a called strike and getting Kim Sun-bin to ground out on three pitches, the situation shifted after Han Joon-soo hit a single to left field. Park Jae-hyun’s line drive and Park Min’s walk loaded the bases with two outs. Jang then issued a walk to Kim Gyu-seong, allowing KIA to score their first run. However, he managed to strike out Yoon Dong-hyun to end the inning without further damage.
In the third inning, Na Sung-bum hit a solo home run with two outs, but Jang remained composed and did not falter. LG tied the game in the top of the fourth with Moon Bo-kyung’s solo home run. In the bottom of the fourth, Jang gave up a single to Han Joon-soo but managed to get a second batter to ground out against Park Min.
During his final inning, the fifth, Jang faced a two-out, runners-on-first-and-second situation after Kim Ho-ryeong singled and Kim Do-yeong walked. With Jang’s pitch count at 61, the LG dugout opted for a pitching change. Reliever Kim Jin-soo entered the game and secured the final out against Na Sung-bum with a ground ball to first base, completing the fifth inning without allowing any further runs.
