'Ryu Hyun-jin 150km Fastball' Kim Kyung-moon Also Surprised! "I Was Shocked Too → It Means He Manages His Body Well"

*This content was translated by AI.

Hanwha Eagles' ace Ryu Hyun-jin (39) showcased his fitness by throwing a 150km/h fastball in the game on the previous day (the 11th), leaving even the veteran manager Kim Kyung-moon (68) unable to hold back his admiration. Manager Kim also conveyed his intention to ensure that Ryu Hyun-jin, who is performing at his best, joins the All-Star Game as a manager's pick.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon met with reporters ahead of the away game against Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome on the 12th, sparing no praise as he reflected on Ryu Hyun-jin's outstanding performance as the starting pitcher on the 11th.

Ryu Hyun-jin started against KIA Tigers at his home stadium on the 11th, delivering a stellar outing with 7 hits allowed, 5 strikeouts, 1 walk, and 1 earned run, leading his team to victory and securing his eighth win of the season. With this, Ryu Hyun-jin has risen to the sole top spot in the KBO League for wins this season.

Especially, the highlight of the day came in the bottom of the fifth inning. With the team leading 4-1, two outs, and a runner on third base in a scoring position crisis, Ryu Hyun-jin faced KIA's star batter Kim Do-young. In a 1-ball, 2-strike count, he struck out Kim Do-young with a powerful 150km/h fastball thrown straight down the middle, roaring in triumph.

Regarding this, Manager Kim Kyung-moon said, "When I saw the scene of striking out Kim Do-young yesterday, I was also surprised," expressing his amazement. He continued, "Although Ryu Hyun-jin is not young, it means he manages his body very well," and added, "I hope he stays healthy and finishes the first half of the season well," conveying his solid trust.

Manager Kim also expressed his determination to personally take action to ensure Ryu Hyun-jin's participation in the All-Star Game. Currently, the Hanwha Eagles have registered Wang Yencheng, an Asian quota player, as a candidate for the starting pitcher position in the All-Star Best 12. As a result, Ryu Hyun-jin's name cannot appear on the Best 12 roster, which is selected through fan and player voting.

Instead, the 'manager's pick' method remains. Manager Kim Kyung-moon emphasized, "Since we did not nominate the pitcher with the most wins as an All-Star candidate, I am determined to send him to the All-Star Game even as a manager's pick."

He further added, "Given how well he is performing, he should naturally appear in the All-Star Game for the fans," conveying a cheerful yet sincere wish to actively recommend Ryu Hyun-jin to other managers participating in the All-Star Game so that he can stand before the fans.

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*This content was translated by AI.