"Without Davidson, it feels weird → He was the older brother who helped me adapt to Korea; if we face off..." NC ace's candid thoughts

*This content was translated by AI.

"It's been a weird week."

NC Dinos' "foreign ace" Riley Thompson (30) could not smile perfectly despite his overpowering pitching that led his team to victory. It was due to his deep longing and complex feelings toward foreign batter Matt Davidson (35), a "brother-like teammate" who recently left the team. He honestly confessed about the troubled times.

On the 28th, Riley started against the Kiwoom Heroes at home, pitching 5 innings, allowing 4 hits, issuing 2 walks, and recording 13 strikeouts while giving up 2 earned runs, leading his team to victory. In particular, Riley created a remarkable scene by striking out all 12 batters from the first through the fourth innings, showcasing overwhelming dominance with 12 consecutive strikeouts against 8 batters.

After the game, Riley's expression with StarNews showed complex and subtle emotions rather than joy. Riley said, "I don't quite know what to say. Today's game felt a bit strange overall." He added, "I didn't feel my physical condition or form was exceptionally good, but the results came out really well. Anyway, it seems to be a truly great record and achievement," delivering his thoughts calmly.

Despite the overwhelming pitching performance, there was a separate reason for Riley's heavy heart. It was the absence of foreign batter Matt Davidson, who left the team following a waiver announcement after the game against Kiwoom on the 26th.

For Riley, Davidson was more than just a teammate. Riley said, "Actually, this weekend has been incredibly difficult to put into words. The week itself has been flowing strangely, and it still doesn't fully feel real that he has left." He then confessed, "I will really miss him. I relied on him a lot and respected him," unable to hide his bitterness.

The bond Riley revealed was special. When Riley first stepped into the KBO League ahead of the 2025 season, Davidson, who had already experienced the league, became a sturdy pillar of support. Riley said, "I had just arrived in the KBO League, and Davidson was already there. In the early part of last season, I struggled to pitch well personally and had quite a hard time adapting to the Korean stage."

He said, "Every time, Davidson always encouraged me and never held back on his advice. Especially, he was the only person I could comfortably converse with in English, particularly inside the baseball stadium and especially on the field. Just his presence by my side became an incredibly great source of strength for me," expressing his gratitude.

The two families also shared a close bond like a real family. Riley said, "Davidson's family and my family got along very closely. My son and Davidson's children, as well as our wives, all got along very well. Since we were a group that became a huge pillar for each other, his empty seat will feel very large," not hiding his regret.

Recently, there have been suggestions that Davidson, who was recently announced on waivers, might move to Kiwoom and remain in the KBO League. If this becomes reality, Riley would have to face his "older brother" as an opponent in the most intense world of competition.

Regarding this, Riley said, "I still don't quite know what to say about that part. Davidson is like an older brother to me. So, it's really difficult for me to say what it would be like if we were to face each other right now in a pitching and batting duel," shaking his head. However, he also held back, saying, "If such a situation actually happens later, I think I can speak about it then."

Although he is the cold ace responsible for leading his team to victory, Riley's affection for his teammate was hotter than anyone else's. Even amidst feelings that were not like usual, Riley quietly did his part. It is watched with interest how Riley, carrying Davidson's empty seat in his heart, will show the dignity of an ace for the rest of the season.

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*This content was translated by AI.