A 156 km/h fastball that struck Kim Do-young's elbow → An Woo-jin also felt a chill, saying, "Since he is a batter who leaves no room when he crowds the plate, I tried to pitch deep and made a mistake..."

*This content was translated by AI.

"He is a batter who leaves no room when he crowds the plate. I tried to pitch deep, but it resulted in a mistake."

Kiwoom Heroes ace An Woo-jin (27) expressed sincere apologies after the incident involving a 156 km/h pitch that hit KIA Tigers national team infielder Kim Do-young (23), calming his shaken nerves.

During the match between Kiwoom Heroes and KIA Tigers held at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 22nd, a dizzying scene froze both dugouts and the entire stands in the bottom of the fourth inning with two outs. An Woo-jin, who started the game, threw his third pitch—a 156 km/h fastball—while facing Kim Do-young with a count of one ball and one strike. The pitch drilled deep inside, striking Kim Do-young's elbow.

With a dull thud, Kim Do-young complained of severe pain and was unable to get up from the ground for some time. As a key hitter for the national team preparing for the Asian Games in Nagoya and Aichi this September, it was an urgent moment with serious concerns about potential injuries. Staff and training personnel from the KIA dugout all came out to check Kim Do-young's condition. An Woo-jin on the mound also showed clear signs of worry, staring toward the batter's box with a greatly flustered expression.

Fortunately, the elbow guard saved Kim Do-young. Had he not been wearing it, he could have suffered a life-threatening bone fracture, potentially leading to his removal from the national team. Fortunately avoiding serious injury, Kim Do-young shook himself off and got up, heading to first base, and completed the game. He was also seen taping his arm in the next at-bat, but there were no special issues.

An Woo-jin bowed his head repeatedly toward Kim Do-young as he walked from the mound to first base, expressing his deep regret once more. Kim Do-young responded to the senior player's apology with a light nod, acting as if nothing had happened.

After the game, An Woo-jin told reporters about the situation: "Since he is a batter who leaves no room when he crowds the plate, catcher (Kim) Geon-hee also said he would 'pitch deep' toward the batter's body." He added, "Because he is such a great hitter, I tried to pitch deep as well and made a mistake. I told him I was sorry." He then expressed how greatly surprised he was at the moment of impact, calming his shaken nerves.

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*This content was translated by AI.