'Big Break' Draft Pick: Why Was He Dropped? A 151km/h Treasure for Doosan → Emotional First Win in Just Two Years! Two Innings, Five Strikeouts, Perfect Game: "What About the First-Win Commemorative Ball?"

*This content was translated by AI.

Seoul Jamsil Stadium, 16th. Doosan Bears vs. Lotte Giants.

In the top of the 9th inning with Doosan leading 9-7, trusted closer Lee Young-ha allowed a two-run home run to Na Seung-yeop with two outs, tying the game at 9-9.

The game ultimately headed into extra innings. In the top of the 10th inning, Lotte's attack continued. The pitcher who took over the mound was 'second-year pro' Yang Jae-hoon (23).

It was a perfect outing. As soon as Yang Jae-hoon took the mound in the 10th, he retired leadoff batter Son Seong-bin with a swinging strikeout on the ninth pitch. He then struck out Jang Du-seong with a swinging strikeout on the fourth pitch, and also caught subsequent batter Jeon Min-jae with a swinging strikeout on the fifth pitch. His fastest fastball reached 151 km/h.

With Doosan failing to score in the bottom of the 10th, the game moved to the top of the 11th inning, Lotte's final offensive opportunity. Yang Jae-hoon retired leadoff batter Son Ho-young with a strikeout on three pitches. He achieved four consecutive strikeouts. He then handled subsequent batter Hwang Seong-bin with a shortstop grounder and also retired Ko Seung-min with a swinging strikeout on the seventh pitch after a full count, completing his mission for the day.

Two innings, five strikeouts, a perfect game. And with the team securing victory in the bottom of the 11th inning thanks to Kang Seung-ho's walk-off sacrifice hit, Yang Jae-hoon was able to claim an emotional first win just two years after his professional debut.

With Yang Jae-hoon's outstanding performance, Doosan also snapped their losing streak at three games. Doosan recorded 19 wins, 1 tie, and 22 losses, securing sole 7th place.

Yang Jae-hoon, who graduated from Busan Suyoung Elementary, Sajik Middle, Gaeseong High, and Dong-eui University, joined Doosan in the 2025 Rookie Draft as the 66th overall pick in the 7th round. His signing bonus was 50 million won.

Last season, he appeared in 19 relief games, recording 1 save and an ERA of 4.24. His total stats were 23⅓ innings, 19 hits allowed (3 home runs), 8 walks, 19 strikeouts, and 11 runs allowed (11 earned runs). This season, including this game, he has recorded 1 win, 2 losses, 2 holds, an ERA of 3.74, 21⅔ innings, 19 hits allowed (2 home runs), 12 walks, 26 strikeouts, 11 runs allowed (9 earned runs), a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 1.43, and a batting average against of 0.235.

Manager Kim Won-hyeong said after the game, "The bullpen pitchers fulfilled their roles, allowing us to win. First, Kim Jeong-woo held off the 7th-inning crisis with two outs and bases loaded, limiting the damage to the minimum, and then shut down the next inning perfectly. Lee Young-ha also threw good pitches, but the opposing batters hit well. I want to give high marks for not being shaken after the home run."

He continued, "Yang Jae-hoon threw a lot of pitches yesterday (15th), but he showed fighting spirit for the team. He shut down two innings perfectly and created an atmosphere where we could finish the game," offering high praise.

Yang Jae-hoon also appeared in relief in the game against Lotte on the 15th, recording 1 inning, 1 hit allowed, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts, and 1 run allowed (1 earned run). At that time, his total pitch count was 32. And today, he threw 34 pitches to secure the victory.

Manager Kim continued, "I want to praise all the position players. Captain Yang Ui-ji hit a home run at a crucial moment, and Jo Su-hyung, Park Ji-hoon, and Kang Seung-hoon displayed incredible focus in the 11th inning to secure the win. Even though it was a long game, I want to thank the fans who stayed until the end in the stands."

After the game, Yang Jae-hoon said, "I am emotional to have secured my first win. Yesterday (15th), my control was quite shaky, but today I decided, 'Even if I get hit, I'll just aim for the center of the plate.' Originally, I planned to pitch only one inning and come down, but the manager told me, 'Your pitches are good right now, so let's try pitching until the 11th.' I am grateful to the manager who trusted and relied on me until the end."

He continued, "If I had to pick the most memorable moment in my baseball career, it would be this moment right now. And the moment I was drafted by Doosan also comes to mind. After graduating from high school, I was undrafted in the Rookie Draft, but I didn't give up and prepared very hard. All the sweat I've shed has finally bloomed into today's 'first win,' and I am very happy."

Finally, he said, "I plan to give the first-win commemorative ball as a gift to my parents. I've always been a reserved person and haven't expressed myself much, but I want to take this opportunity to sincerely convey my gratitude and love. I promise to take good care of them in the future," making a promise for the future.

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*This content was translated by AI.