'Lee Hye-cheon's form?' Finally debuts in the first division, escapes a scoreless crisis with runners on second and third base after one out. "I want to show 'fighting rooster' mode pitching without ever running away," declares his bold resolve.

*This content was translated by AI.

Is Doosan Bears finally acquiring a precious left-handed relief pitcher for the team? The second-round rookie has finally successfully made his long-awaited debut on the first division stage. The protagonist is none other than Choi Ju-hyeong (20).

Doosan secured a 16-6 victory in an away game against Kiwoom at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 1st during the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season.

With this win, Doosan recorded 13 wins, 1 tie, and 15 losses, leaving just two wins to reach a .500 winning percentage. They have now won three consecutive games. The team stands in fifth place, tied with NC Dinos and KIA Tigers. Meanwhile, Kiwoom recorded 11 wins and 18 losses, falling into a two-game losing streak. Kiwoom is currently in ninth place in the league standings.

In the bottom of the 8th inning, when Doosan was already leading 16-5, Kiwoom came to bat. Doosan brought in rookie Choi Ju-hyeong to the mound. As soon as Choi took the mound, he faced leadoff batter Im Ji-yeol, engaging in a full-count battle before inducing a fly ball to center field on the seventh pitch. His form was somewhat unique, resembling that of left-handed relief pitcher Lee Hye-cheon, who had excelled in the past with Doosan Bears.

Next, Choi gave up a walk to batter Park Soo-jong on the fifth pitch. He then allowed a double that dropped just inside the right-field line against Kim Geon-hee, who targeted a slider on the fifth pitch with a 2-2 count. In an instant, the situation became one out with runners on second and third base, creating a scoring crisis.

However, Choi Ju-hyeong did not lose his composure. He faced Yang Hyeon-jong in the next at-bat, engaging in a close battle that went to seven pitches before inducing a swing-and-miss on a high fastball. This resulted in the second out. He then retired Song Ji-hoo with a swing-and-miss strikeout on the fourth pitch, successfully closing out his debut game.

Choi Ju-hyeong, who graduated from Geoje Gohyeon Elementary School (Geoje City Little League), Oepo Middle School, and Masan High School, was selected by Doosan with the 17th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 Rookie Draft. He made his first appearance on the first division roster on the 29th of last month and pitched in his professional debut just two days after being registered.

This season, he appeared in 11 Futures League games, pitching 15 innings with a record of 1 win, 2 holds, 13 strikeouts, 5 earned runs, and an ERA of 3.00. His fastball reached a maximum speed of 146 km/h.

After the game, Choi Ju-hyeong said, "I was really excited and nervous preparing for my first appearance on the stage I had dreamed of. I promised myself before stepping onto the mound that I would show my pitches and come down, and fortunately, the result was good. I am grateful to my senior (Kim) Ki-yeon for leading me to pitch comfortably."

He continued, "When I was sent down to the Futures League midway through the exhibition games, I vowed to make it to the first division roster this year without fail. The results of my intense deliberation and practice in Icheon came out well in the Futures League, so I think I got another chance." He could not hide his joy.

Choi Ju-hyeong then stated, "My goal for this season is to stay in the first division for as long as possible," adding, "I want to show 'fighting rooster' mode pitching on the mound without ever running away." Finally, he said, "After making my first appearance, I thought of my parents and friends who have always supported me without hesitation. I am always grateful and will become a player who proves myself more consistently in the future. I also thank the fans who always cheer for me," expressing his gratitude and looking forward to the future.

Commander Kim Won-hyeong, Doosan's manager, did not hesitate to praise Choi Ju-hyeong. Manager Kim said, "The bullpen worked well throughout on the mound," and added, "Choi Ju-hyeong, who made his debut, must have been nervous, but he fulfilled his role," offering his encouragement.

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*This content was translated by AI.