*This content was translated by AI.View Original
A matchup akin to a twist of fate has materialized. KT Wiz outfielder Choi Won-jun (29) and Samsung Lions ace Ariel Hurrado (30), who went through turmoil due to the "bat-throwing" controversy at the end of the regular season, are set to clash again on a narrow bridge. The stage is Korea Series Game 3, and the location is coincidentally Daegu Samsung Lions Park (hereinafter Raemak Park), where the incident occurred.
Their long-standing connection traces back to about a month ago, on October 11. At the time, Choi Won-jun, who started as the leadoff hitter and right fielder in an away game against Samsung at Daegu Lions Park, faced Hurrado as the first batter in the top of the third inning and drew a walk after a six-pitch full count duel. However, immediately after reaching base, he could not contain his anger and threw the bat he was holding forcefully onto the ground.
At the time, Choi Won-jun was engaged in a fierce competition for 200 hits and the record for most hits with Lotte's Victor Reyes, making every hit desperately needed. This action by Choi Won-jun, who momentarily lost his composure during a duel involving bait pitches, caused a major uproar. KT captain Jang Sung-woo strongly reprimanded him, saying, "Did you come out just to pad your personal stats? Behave yourself," and the broadcast even captured a scene of Choi Won-jun wiping away tears behind the dugout. Immediately after the game, Choi Won-jun bowed his head to fans and the opposing team through his wife's social media, stating, "It was an action that cannot be justified under any circumstances."
About a month has passed since then, and the stage has shifted from the regular season to the pinnacle of fall baseball, the Korea Series. With 1st-place KT and 2nd-place Samsung meeting on the highly anticipated KS stage, Choi Won-jun and Hurrado are destined to reunite at Raemak Park, the site of the incident. The matchup became possible because Samsung defeated KIA in the playoffs to advance.
It is not just the game date that has changed. The situation has shifted 180 degrees. There is no longer any pressure on Choi Won-jun's shoulders regarding "personal titles." Only the earnest desire for the team's second unified championship remains. Hurrado, who will make his first start in this series, also takes the mound with the critical mission of definitely shutting down Choi Won-jun, the vanguard of KT's offense, in order to seize the advantage in Korea Series Game 3 at home.
Fans' attention is already focused on the first at-bat matchup between the two players in the top of the first inning on the 6th. Since Choi Won-jun was placed as the leadoff hitter in both Game 1 and Game 2, it is highly likely he will be again this time. What if Hurrado's persistent pitching results in a walk once more? Jokes are circulating that Choi Won-jun, who has gone through a period of deep reflection, will this time "carefully" place the bat on the ground and sprint to first base at full speed. Above all, Captain Jang Sung-woo is firmly (or intimidatingly) standing in the dugout, overseeing the team with an eagle's eye.
Choi Won-jun, who has shaken off the heavy burden of personal records and swings his bat for the team's championship. And Hurrado, who must make that bat swing for nothing, staking the fate of his team on it. The rematch between these two men, reopening at Raemak Park, is the ultimate viewing point that will bring the heat of this Korea Series Game 3 to a peak.
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original
