"Gu Chang-mo is not doubted." Yet, '2⅔ innings, 9 runs allowed' worst outing → ERA skyrockets to 4.47 [Suwon]

*This content was translated by AI.

"If we don't trust Gu Chang-mo, who else would we trust?"

Lee Ho-jun (50), manager of NC Dinos, expressed his firm belief in Gu Chang-mo (29). However, that hope turned to nothing. Gu bowed his head after delivering the worst pitching performance of his career.

On the 23rd, Gu Chang-mo started against KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League away game. Over 2⅔ innings, he threw 78 pitches, allowing 10 hits, 3 walks/strikeouts, recording 2 strikeouts, and surrendering 9 runs (6 earned runs).

After debuting with NC as the third pick in the second round of the 2015 rookie draft, Gu recorded a career-high tied 9 runs allowed in a 3⅔-inning outing against LG Twins on July 4, 2018, giving up 10 hits (2 home runs) and 2 walks. Considering he pitched one inning less than this latest outing, it can be said without exaggeration that this was the worst pitching performance of his career.

Gu, who had shown potential upon returning last year following injuries and service in the Army COLONY unit (military service), returned healthy this season. The prevailing view was that 'Healthy Gu Chang-mo' had nothing to worry about, and he indeed fulfilled the role of ace. Through April, he went 3-0 in six games with an ERA of 2.88.

However, he stumbled in the game against Samsung Lions on the 10th, allowing 6 runs over 4⅔ innings. Fortunately, in the game against Kiwoom Heroes on the 16th, he threw 107 pitches over a season-high 7 innings, allowing just one run and adding another victory.

For NC, which has fallen to last place after a four-game losing streak, this was a game they had to win. Manager Lee Ho-jun explained, "Since we got an extra day of rest due to rain, I have no worries. If there had been even a slight issue after throwing, we would have managed it further, but there was none, and recovery went normally. I think we may no longer need to worry about pitch counts or innings."

He continued, "(The belief) has not changed. He is our number one starter. If we don't trust (Gu) Chang-mo, who would we trust? He is a player with that level of ability, so any player might get hit occasionally. Therefore, there is absolutely no anxiety or loss of trust just because Chang-mo gave up runs in the Samsung game. Isn't he the best player we trust? We always think we win on days Chang-mo starts. The players prepare for games with that mindset; they are not anxious or doubtful."

However, the game was shaky from the start. In the bottom of the first, after starting with Choi Won-jun, they allowed a run after consecutive hits from Kim Hyun-soo (one out) and Kim Min-hyuk (two outs).

The lineup tied the game 1-1 in the top of the second, but in the bottom of the second, they allowed consecutive hits from Heo Kyung-min and Han Seung-hyuk. Following Kwon Dong-jin's sacrifice bunt and Choi Won-jun's infield hit, they surrendered the lead again.

Ultimately, they could not get past the third inning. Although they started by striking out Sam Hilary, they later allowed a hit to Kim Min-hyuk, a walk to Jang Sung-woo, and a two-run single to Heo Kyung-min. The momentum shifted instantly after shortstop Kwon Dong-jin committed an error.

With the score 1-4 and runners on first and third with one out, they allowed another two-run single to Kwon Dong-jin, scoring one run. Following Choi Won-jun's infield hit, they allowed a hit-by-pitch to Kim Sang-su, resulting in a bases-loaded walk and one run. A wild pitch added another run. Even after getting Kim Hyun-soo out on a ground ball to the first baseman, they surrendered another run.

Ultimately, Gu was pulled and handed the ball to Son Ju-hwan. He allowed a two-run double to Hilary, recording his ninth run allowed. He then allowed a hit to Kim Min-hyuk and finally finished the inning after surrendering his tenth run.

Gu Chang-mo's fastball reached a maximum speed of 144 km/h today. There was no pitch that stayed away from the center of the plate; control was non-existent. Nevertheless, the KT lineup, which circled the bases, easily exploited Gu's pitching.

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*This content was translated by AI.