Soh Hyung-joon Why did he throw only 42 "Why" and come down the mound? The Czech batters are completely blocked. [WBC]

*This content was translated by AI.

Soh Hyung-joon (25, KT Wiz), who was named the first winner of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) competition, completed his mission by completely blocking the Czech batters without losing a point.

Soh Hyung-joon started against the Czech Republic in the first Group C match of the first round of the 2026 WBC finals at Tokyo Dome in Japan on the 5th and pitched four hits, one walk, two strikeouts and no runs in three innings.

During the 2023 WBC tournament, Soh Hyung-joon took the mound in two games and struggled with two runs in three ⅓ innings. But this time it was different. He calmly threw his ball and showed his trust.

Soh Hyung-joon allowed a hit after one out in the top of the first inning. However, he ended the inning without losing a point by inducing "active big leaguer" Terin Barbra to a double play.

The biggest crisis was in the top of the second inning. He gave up a hit, a walk, and a bunt, and was on the verge of loading the bases with two outs. However, he handled Max Freida with a fly ball to the left field, putting out the fire himself.

So Hyun-jun gave up a hit in the third inning, but he continued his scoreless streak by inducing a double play again.

Head coach Ryu Ji-hyun expressed his intention to consider the future utilization of Soh Hyung-joon before the game. In response, Soh Hyung-joon, who threw a total of 42 balls (29 strikes) until the third inning, handed over the mound to Noh Kyung-eun (SSG) at the beginning of the fourth inning.

This can be said to be a strategic replacement in preparation for the WBC regulation that requires a four-day rest if the number of pitches exceeds 50. Soh Hyung-joon, who recorded fewer than 50 pitches, will now be able to take the mound again after a day off.

Soh Hyung-joon pitched in 26 games in the 2025 season, posting a 10-7-1 save average of 3.30 earned runs. Before the game, Soh Hyung-joon said, "We will show you a starting pitcher suitable for the era of 12 million spectators." And on this day, he calmly did his part and proved his ability.

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*This content was translated by AI.