'Samsung Bad News': Gochok's King Alcantara Throws Nearly 100 Pitches! Manager Says "Will Consider Pitching on Sunday"

*This content was translated by AI.

As Samsung Lions, busy in the race for first place, face a formidable "natural enemy" ahead of their two-game winning streak. Although Kiwoom Heroes remains at the bottom of the standings, they have gained momentum with back-to-back wins, including a recent comeback victory after trailing by five runs. Now aiming for a three-game winning streak, they will rely on foreign ace Raul Alcantara (34).

Kiwoom will start Alcantara against Samsung Lions at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, Guro District, on the 25th. This season, Alcantara has recorded 8 wins and 7 losses with a 3.85 ERA in 20 games. In the first half of the season (16 games), he posted 7 wins and 6 losses with a 3.32 ERA, showcasing ace-level performance. However, since the second half began, he has shown some instability with 1 win and 1 loss in four games and a 6.43 ERA. He was also removed from the roster once due to an elbow injury.

However, for Alcantara this season, Samsung is a "source of confidence." His only appearance against Samsung so far was on July 22, where he recorded four scoreless innings, demonstrating strong form. He had previously exited the game after feeling pain in his elbow while pitching scoreless.

Manager Seol Jong-jin (53) of Kiwoom clearly outlined Alcantara's starting plan ahead of the game. Manager Seol stated, "We want Alcantara to throw fewer than 100 pitches," and added, "Unless there is a major unexpected event, we are considering having him pitch today and then again on Sunday, so he will not exceed 100 pitches." Despite the tight schedule of appearing twice a week, the manager ordered him to deliver nearly 100 pitches to shut down Samsung's lineup.

Kiwoom's team morale has significantly improved following a dramatic weekend comeback victory. The club also shared its stance on player returns and roster adjustments. Ahead of today's game, Kiwoom removed Cho Jae-hyun, who is on reserve duty leave for military training from the 27th, and called up infielder Choi Ju-hwan and catcher Park Sung-bin.

Manager Seol explained, "Hyu participated in Futures League games yesterday (the 24th) and completed a normal live batting practice (BP) today. While there is no issue with his hitting, he reported some discomfort while running. We will check him tomorrow before the game, and if all goes well, he could return as early as the day after tomorrow." He further added, "Im Byung-wook is still in the technical training phase, so we need to monitor him for about ten more days."

Today, Kiwoom set its starting lineup against Samsung's starter Austin Bowers as follows: Seo Geon-chang (second baseman), Kim Woong-bin (third baseman), Davison (designated hitter), An Chi-hong (first baseman), Kim Geon-hee (catcher), Park Chan-hyuk (right fielder), Kwon Hyuk-bin (shortstop), Lee Hyeong-jong (left fielder), and Park Ju-hong (center fielder).

With the manager's trust behind him, Alcantara is expected to deliver a near-100-pitch performance. The focus now is on whether he can suppress Samsung's powerful bats and lead Kiwoom to a three-game winning streak.

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*This content was translated by AI.