Wow! After a victory that came after as many as 1,141 days, Ko Woo-seok started with self-reflection: "I showed an unprepared look in the previous game, so I'm glad we managed to secure a tough win."

*This content was translated by AI.

Go Woo-seok (28), who returned to his former team LG Twins after attempting a challenge on the U.S. stage, recorded his first win of the season in just three KBO League appearances since his return. Although it was his first KBO League victory in as long as 1,141 days, before he could savor the joy, he reflected on his previous outing and expressed regret.

Go Woo-seok took the mound as the team's second pitcher in an away game against the Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 12th, recording 1⅔ innings with two hits allowed and one run (unearned), leading his team to a 4-3 comeback victory and earning the win.

The bottom of the sixth inning, when Ko Woo-seok entered the game, proved to be the turning point. After Austin Dean's solo home run in the top of the fifth tied the score at 2-2, LG's bench watched as starting pitcher Anders Tolhurst retired Choi Hyung-woo on a groundout in the bottom of the sixth but then allowed a double into center field to Aaron Diaz. The bench immediately called upon the bullpen, with Ko Woo-seok being the first option selected.

With the bases loaded and a tying run in scoring position, Go Woo-seok entered the game and induced a clean double play from second baseman to shortstop to first baseman against the leadoff batter Ryu Ji-hyuk, immediately closing out the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Go Woo-seok, who had returned to the mound, allowed a double down the middle to leadoff batter Kang Min-ho and found himself in a crisis with no outs and runners on first and third after an error by a fielder on Kim Sung-yoon's ground ball to second base. It was a moment when the momentum could have completely shifted toward Samsung, but Go Woo-seok once again demonstrated his ability to escape the jam. Facing pinch-hitter Park Seung-gyu, he induced another double play, recording two outs at once.

He allowed a run from third baseman Kang Min-ho, surrendering a 2-3 lead. Although he gave up a double to center-left field by Kim Heon-gon with two outs and runners on second base, he retired Kim Ji-chan on a fly ball to center field, ending the inning without allowing any further runs. Since the run was unearned due to an error, Go Woo-seok's earned run average for the day remained at 0.

As Go Woo-seok held on with minimal runs allowed, LG's lineup responded in the bottom of the eighth inning. Austin's crucial two-run single to center field and Song Chan-ui's RBI ground ball came in succession, allowing LG to turn the game around with a 4-3 lead. From the top of the ninth inning onward, Go Woo-seok handed the mound over to John Kennedy, and the bullpen, culminating with closer Son Ju-young, held the one-run lead until the end, securing his name as the winning pitcher.

Go Woo-seok's KBO League victory came a staggering 1,141 days after his relief win against the Jamsil Doosan Bears on July 29, 2023. After concluding his challenge in the United States, he made an unexpected return to LG on the 1st, officially joined the team on the 3rd, and recorded his first save of the season with a scoreless inning featuring two strikeouts and one walk in his debut game against Jamsil Samsung on the 4th.

However, in his appearance on the 9th against the Daejeon Hanwha Eagles, where he pitched one inning allowing one hit and two walks without conceding a run, he struggled due to erratic control that loaded the bases. Therefore, the victory earned from his third appearance of the day carried special significance for him.

After the game, seriousness appeared on Go Woo-seok's face before a smile did. He cautiously shared his thoughts, saying, "The team was running well but our pace had dropped somewhat. Especially after last game (the 9th against Hanwha), I showed myself as not fully prepared as a professional and reflected deeply on that." He added, "I am relieved that we were able to hold on in such a tense and difficult match."

He cited his solid defensive lineup as the primary reason for his strong performance. Go Woo-seok said, "I am truly grateful to the fielders who showed great defense," adding, "The driving force that allows our team not only to aim for a spot in the autumn playoffs but also to continuously chase the championship is precisely this excellent defense. For a pitcher, taking the mound with such a reliable defensive unit behind them is an incredibly reassuring and pleasant experience." He credited his teammates for their contribution.

While showing confidence in his recovery of form, he also cautioned against complacency. He stated, "My condition is gradually returning to normal," but added, "Given that I have pitched a significant number of innings traveling between the U.S. and Korea this season, I must take on even greater personal responsibility. I am determined to manage my body meticulously during the remaining period and finish the regular season with an even more polished performance."

He did not forget to express gratitude to the Twins fans who filled the away seats. Go Woo-seok said with a bright smile, "I sincerely thank the fans who traveled all the way to Daegu and cheered loudly for us. I am happy that we were able to present an exciting and thrilling game, and even happier that we could give you the gift of victory."

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*This content was translated by AI.