*This content was translated by AI.
Yoon Sung-bin (27), the 'first-round fireballer' of the 2017 Lotte Giants, is fully executing four consecutive starts for the first time in four months, reawakening his dormant potential. By letting go of the desire for velocity and focusing on the 'direction' of his pitching, both control and stability have followed simultaneously.
On the 10th, Yoon Sung-bin appeared as the team's third reliever in the top of the 6th inning during a Futures League match against Ulsan Whales at Gimhae Sangdong Baseball Stadium in Gyeongnam, with his team leading 5-2. He pitched two scoreless innings without allowing any hits, issuing one walk and recording two strikeouts.
Following his appearance the previous day (the 9th) against Ulsan—one inning, one strikeout, scoreless—Yoon Sung-bin took the mound for two consecutive days, marking his first back-to-back starts in four months since the the 7-8 matches against Hanwha. At the same time, this extends his scoreless streak to four consecutive games since his one-inning, one-strikeout, one-walk, scoreless outing against Hanwha Eagles during an away game in Seosan on August 24.
Yoon Sung-bin's pitching performance was powerful even on this day. After entering the game following Park Se-jin in the top of the 6th, Yoon struck out the first batter, Hol, with a lookout on just four pitches, then recorded two quick outs by inducing a grounder to the third baseman from No Kang-min. Although he issued a walk to Kim Si-wan after a full count and allowed a stolen base to second base, he remained composed. He then induced a grounder to the first baseman from Lee Min-seok on five pitches, finishing the first inning without allowing any runs.
Yoon Sung-bin was even sharper when he unexpectedly took the mound in the top of the 7th. He retired pinch-hitter Park Moon-soon with an outfield fly to left field on just two pitches, then recorded a swinging strikeout against Bae Young-bin by throwing three consecutive strikes in the zone. He then induced a grounder to the third baseman from Kim Seo-won on three pitches, completing a perfect inning with only eight total pitches.
After the game, Yoon Sung-bin's expression showed both relief and deep confidence. When asked about his feelings after four months of consecutive starts, he said, "When I was sent down around the end of the first half in the first division, I had some pain in my shoulder (supraspinatus), and my pitching balance had collapsed." He continued, "Along with pitching coach Kim Hyun-wook, we focused on training to find a 'direction' centered on breaking balls and corner work, rather than just yelling for faster pitches or relying solely on power. Recently, as that direction has become clear, I feel my control hasn't wavered even during consecutive starts and the pitches have been landing well."
He also handled the unexpected two-inning multi-inning appearance with ease. Yoon Sung-bin remarked, "Originally, I planned to pitch about one inning, but since starter (Park) Se-jin came down a bit early, I ended up pitching two innings." He added, "As my direction has gradually become clear, I'm able to use breaking balls effectively and win count battles, making the entire pitching process much more comfortable."
His physical condition, which had caused concern among fans due to shoulder injuries, has now fully recovered. Yoon Sung-bin stated, "My supraspinatus was not in good shape, and because I tried to throw hard and strong relying only on power while my balance was off, it put a strain on my shoulder." He expressed relief, saying, "I have now fully recovered, and my overall physical condition, including my shoulder, is very good."
Of course, as a former fireballer, he does not feel completely free of disappointment regarding velocity. Yoon Sung-bin emphasized, "Honestly, the current velocity itself is something I'm not entirely satisfied with. However, what matters most right now is the direction of my pitching rather than velocity. My strike percentage has improved significantly, and I can clearly feel that walks have decreased. I am feeling a great sense of achievement and satisfaction in these areas."
Finally, he conveyed his firm resolve: "Although the regular season is nearing its end, if called up to the first division at any time, I am ready to pitch whenever needed. Even if opportunities do not arise immediately, I will prepare steadily with a positive mindset that this allows me to prepare even more perfectly for next season."
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*This content was translated by AI.
