adminThe rookie outfielder surprised fans and players watching the game. KT Wiz’s Jung Jun-young (19) literally played the role of a ‘new stealer’ and gave the team a boost.
KT completed the sweep with two wins and one loss in a three-game series against the Samsung Lions of the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League held at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on April 21-23.
The game on the 23rd was the high point for KT, who exchanged one win with Samsung. They were forced to turn to their bullpen early as starter Yeo Byung-seong struggled with four runs (three earned) on six hits and five walks with one strikeout in four innings. However, the offense completed the big inning with four runs in the top of the seventh, and reliever Kim Jae-yoon, who pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Park Young-hyun, held on for an 8-7 victory.바카라
While Kim Min-hyuk spearheaded the offense, going 7-for-14 with a .500 batting average and five RBIs over the three games, it was Jung Jun-young who stood out late in the series. Despite not starting all three games, Jung made his presence felt on defense, taking advantage of every opportunity he was given.
Jung had a big game in the first game of the series. He replaced Kim Min-hyuk in right field to start the bottom of the eighth inning and moved to left field in the bottom of the ninth inning with his team leading 7-1.
After the leadoff hitter Kim Sung-yoon homered, the next batter, Lee Byung-heon, hit a ball to left-center field, and Jung didn’t hesitate to throw himself to make the catch. Reliever Joo Ju-kwon took off his hat to thank Jung for his defense.
The next day, Jung Jun-young, who was also on the field as a center fielder, made a diving catch of Kang Min-ho’s hit at second and third base in the bottom of the seventh inning when the team was down 2-4. Kang Min-ho, who had a great swing, couldn’t hide his disappointment at Jung’s defense. Although KT lost the series 2-5, they could take solace in Jung’s performance, as he lived up to the expectations of his manager.
The most decisive moment came in the final game of the series. Just like the previous day, Jeong played the bottom of the seventh inning as a pinch hitter, but in the top of the eighth inning, with the opposition trailing by one run, he made a tremendous throw to second base. After catching Ryu Ji-hyuk’s single to left, he didn’t hesitate to throw the ball home. Catcher Jang Sung-woo, who caught the ball “out of bounds,” tagged out Ahn Joo-hyung at second base and the inning ended. Despite the Samsung bench’s request for a video replay, the result remained the same. After nearly conceding the tying run, KT saved the day thanks to Jeong Jun-young and was able to hold on to the lead until the end.
Including this series, Jung has only played 34 first-team matches. He’s still a rookie who needs to gain more experience, but for three days in a row, he’s made a strong impression on defense. This allowed both the team and the player to start the second half with a slightly lighter heart.