'153km/h fastball strikes umpire' victory brings concern from foreign investor: "Hoping he's okay → 10-minute stoppage is not a problem"

*This content was translated by AI.

An unexpected injury caused a 10-minute delay in the game, breaking Avila's pitching rhythm and leading to a crisis with two outs and runners on first and third base. However, SSG Landers foreign pitcher Avila (29) remained steady and completed seven scoreless innings. Even after becoming the winning pitcher, his first words were concern for the umpire who had been hit by his pitch and collapsed.

On the 16th, Avila started against the LG Twins in an away game at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium as part of the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League'. He delivered a perfect outing over seven innings, allowing four hits, striking out eight batters, issuing two walks, and conceding zero earned runs. He has now recorded four wins in six games. His ERA stands at 1.54, reflecting consistent performance. The quality start metric (starting pitcher throwing at least six innings while allowing three or fewer earned runs) has been achieved five times so far.

Avila dominated the LG lineup with a fastball reaching speeds up to 156 km/h. He threw exactly 100 pitches, mixing his fastball with various breaking balls including curveballs, changeups, cutters, and two-seam fastballs.

The most alarming moment of the game occurred in the bottom of the 7th inning. With SSG leading 6-0, two outs, and no runners on base, Avila's fourth pitch—a 153 km/h two-seam fastball aimed deep inside toward LG's Song Chan-ui—struck umpire Ham Ji-woong directly in the arm as he stood behind the catcher. Even SSG catcher Cho Hyung-woo could not catch the ball, suggesting it was a wild pitch.

Umpire Ham Ji-woong collapsed while complaining of severe pain, and an ambulance entered the field. The game was suspended for approximately 10 minutes due to the umpire's equipment being replaced and other preparations. Already having thrown over 90 pitches, Avila sat on the mound waiting during the extended delay.

After resuming play, Avila allowed consecutive hits to Song Chan-ui and Lee Young-bin, putting him in a crisis with two outs and runners on first and third base. However, he struck out Cheon Seong-ho on a full-count swing-and-miss pitch, completing his seven scoreless innings mission.

After the game, when asked about the situation in the 7th inning, Avila recalled, "Seeing the ambulance enter the field, I was only worried that a serious injury might have occurred." He added, "Fortunately, seeing him get up with assistance brought me relief. I sincerely hope he is not seriously injured."

Regarding the potential loss of focus due to the long stoppage, Avila remained calm, stating, "I did not feel particularly anxious or shaken."

When asked about the secret behind his continued strong performance, Avila pointed to his "video analysis routine." He explained, "I have had my own routine for six or seven years. Since childhood, I've been guided by an uncle who sends me videos of my pitching mechanics when there are timing issues, and we discuss feedback over calls. Although he has no professional coaching experience, he is more than a coach to me. My second start last week (four innings, three earned runs against Kiwoom Heroes) was disappointing, so I focused more and composed myself before this game, which seems to have led to good results."

Avila also offered warm encouragement for foreign hitter Madris, who is leaving SSG after today's game. "Madris is undoubtedly an outstanding player. Everyone goes through slumps while playing baseball, but eventually, better times come again. I encourage him to believe in himself and continue moving forward with a positive mindset."

Finally, Avila spoke about his connection with Carlos Karasco (39), the Venezuelan senior pitcher who started against him today. "We became close when we played on the same team in 2024. Karasco is a legend of Venezuelan baseball, and even after coming to Korea, we frequently call each other and stay in touch."

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*This content was translated by AI.