Even with Kwak Bin on the mound, there is concern: "Wang Yencheng has performed too well against us." 'Hitless' Jung Soobin benched; Park Ji-hoon bats second [Jamsil Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

After resting for nine days, the team resumes its schedule. Doosan Bears manager Kim Won-hyung (54), who declared Kwak Bin's move to Major League Baseball (MLB), could not hide his caution toward Hanwha Eagles even while starting Kwak Bin. This is because Wang Yencheng (25), known as a "Doosan Killer," will take the mound.

Manager Kim Won-hyung met with reporters ahead of Hanwha's home game against Doosan at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 11th, stating, "Wang Yencheng has pitched too well against us this season." He added, "So while it would be fortunate if Kwak Bin also pitches well and we score early, we should expect a pitcher's duel in the fifth and sixth innings as the most likely scenario."

Due to cancellations caused by extreme heat, all KBO teams rested for five games over six days. During this period, each team could reorganize their starting rotation, and today they will deploy their strongest pitcher. For Doosan, that pitcher is undoubtedly Kwak Bin.

Kwak Bin has long been known for his exceptional talent, but concerns were raised about his mental management on the mound and in-game execution. However, this season he has delivered flawless performances without any noticeable flaws.

In 20 games, he has pitched 115 innings with a record of 9 wins and 4 losses, an ERA of 2.66, and 138 strikeouts. He leads the league in strikeouts and quality starts, ranks second in ERA, and shares third place in wins, hits allowed, and walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP). MLB scouts are flocking to watch Kwak Bin in every game, and he has recently expressed his intention to pursue a move to MLB after next season.

Nevertheless, Manager Kim could not hide his caution toward Hanwha. At least against Doosan, Wang Yencheng has shown an intimidating presence that never falls short of Kwak Bin's.

Wang Yencheng, who joined Hanwha this season under the Asian quota, has pitched 110⅓ innings in 21 games with a record of 10 wins and 4 losses and an ERA of 3.34, making him a key asset for Hanwha as he shares first place in wins. He has become even stronger against Doosan, pitching 18⅓ innings in three games with a record of 2 wins and no losses, showcasing an ERA of 1.47.

Doosan set its starting lineup for the day as follows: Kim Daehyun (right fielder), Park Ji-hoon (first baseman), Park Jun-soon (second baseman), Yang Eui-ji (designated hitter), Kim Min-seok (left fielder), Ahn Jae-seok (third baseman), Park Chan-ho (shortstop), Yoon Jun-ho (catcher), and Jo Su-haeng (center fielder).

Manager Kim Won-hyung explained, "There are no major changes. Park Ji-hoon replaces Severino at first base. The rest of the lineup remains the same. Jung Soobin has historically struggled against Wang Yencheng, so we made that adjustment. Jo Su-haeng will replace Soobin. Ji-hoon was inserted because he has performed exceptionally well against Wang Yencheng this season." Jung Soobin managed only 4 hits in 5 at-bats with no hits, one walk, and two strikeouts against Wang Yencheng this season, while Park Ji-hoon hit 4-for-8 with exceptional results.

Doosan plays for the first time since their game against LG Twins on the 2nd, as their match against NC Dinos at Jamsil was canceled due to extreme heat on the 4th. Concerns about game readiness are inevitable, especially regarding the batters' hitting rhythm.

They have made efforts to maintain their skills while avoiding the heat. Manager Kim explained, "We trained indoors for three days from Wednesday to Friday because it was too hot outside. We naturally rested on Saturday. On Sunday, we had to coordinate with LG, so we held morning training."

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*This content was translated by AI.