"Wow!' Ahn Woojin is crazy! Is it true that the light speed ball can be controlled up to 160km → 1K scoreless in 1 inning

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes' "Ace" Ahn Woo-jin (27) is back. It wasn't just a return, but it was the same as the "complete body" that dominated the KBO league in the 2023 season.

Ahn Woo-jin started the home game against the Lotte Giants in the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League" at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 12th and recorded one hit, one strikeout, and one walk in one inning.

Ahn Woo-jin's last appearance in the first division was away to the Incheon SSG Landers on August 31, 2023. Since then, Tommy John surgery, his life as a social service worker, and a shoulder injury he suffered just before being called up have passed a long rehabilitation tunnel. Originally, he was expected to return from May to June, but Ahn Woo-jin took the mound earlier on the day with remarkable resilience.

Against Hwang Sung-bin, the first batter he encountered after returning, Ahn Woo-jin finished preheating by spraying a 157-kilometer four-seam fastball at the first pitch. The fourth pitch of the ball count of one ball and two strikes was recorded at a whopping 160km/h, making Gocheok Dome tremble. In the end, Ahn Woo-jin, who handled Hwang Sung-bin with a ground ball to shortstop, hit a 159km high fastball against Victor Reyes, striking out swinging and gaining momentum.

Since then, he allowed a walk after a full count match against Roh Jin-hyuk and gave up a hit to Han Dong-hee to the right, putting him on the verge of being on the first and second bases with two outs. However, he threw a 156km four-seam against veteran Jeon Joon-woo to induce a ground ball to the second base and put out the fire himself.

On the day, Ahn threw a total of 24 pitches (16 strikes, 8 balls). He also finished checking the ball type by mixing three sliders, changeups, and curves, centering on the four-seam fastball (16 balls). The maximum speed was 160 kilometers and the average speed was 157 kilometers.

Ahn Woo-jin, who played one inning perfectly, handed over the mound to Bae Dong-hyun from the second inning. Kiwoom plans to continue its "1+1 strategy" of gradually increasing pitching innings until Ahn Woo-jin fully settles in the starting rotation. If he is in a physical condition that can play at least four innings, he will start separately.

Although there were hits and walks, the 160km light fastball that announced the return of the Heroes' Ace was the best return gift for Kiwoom fans.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.