'Surprise starter' Ko Woo-seok, allowed 2 earned runs in 2 innings but recorded a remarkable 5 strikeouts! Top velocity reached 151 km/h

*This content was translated by AI.

Ko Woo-seok (28), who has been active with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens, the Detroit Tigers affiliate, showcased his powerful strikeout ability in an unexpected 'surprise starter' opportunity.

On the 18th (Korea time), Ko made a surprise start in an away game against the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings (Washington Nationals affiliate) at ESL Ballpark in Rochester, New York, USA. Over 2 innings, he allowed 4 hits, issued 1 walk, recorded 5 strikeouts, and gave up 2 earned runs.

In fact, Ko's start on this day was an emergency, unplanned deployment. According to multiple local media outlets, Toledo's original starting pitcher was 26-year-old right-handed prospect Ty Madden. However, the starter was changed just before the game. With Madden facing a minor injury or potential call-up to the major leagues, Ko took on the 'opener' role and stepped onto the starting mound for the first time this season.

Ko's pitching was fiery from the start of the game. Taking the mound in the bottom of the 1st inning, Ko began on a high note by striking out consecutive batters. He later allowed consecutive hits, putting himself in a scoring position crisis, but escaped the danger without allowing a run by striking out Andrew Pinkney on a foul tip. All three outs recorded in the 1st inning were strikeouts.

In the bottom of the 2nd inning, a somewhat disappointing scene unfolded. After issuing a walk to leadoff batter Joey Whimer, Ko handled subsequent batters with groundouts and strikeouts to reach two outs. However, he surrendered consecutive first-pitch two-run doubles to Philip Gerson and King, resulting in 2 earned runs. It was painful that both runs came from being attacked on the first pitch, with only two pitches thrown for each run. Nevertheless, Ko finished the inning without allowing any further runs.

Over 2 innings, Ko threw a total of 36 pitches (22 strikes), with his fastball reaching a top velocity of 93.8 mph (approximately 151 km/h). His dominant pitching was highlighted by striking out 5 of the 6th outs recorded. Unfortunately, his streak of 4 consecutive scoreless games since June came to an end, and Ko's season ERA rose from 2.79 to 3.38.

Having completed his assigned task, Ko was replaced by Bo Briski at the start of the bottom of the 3rd inning. Toledo engaged in a tense extra-inning battle against Rochester, ultimately losing 5-6.

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*This content was translated by AI.