'Is there only Jung Woo-ju, pay attention to Lee Ho-min as well?' A 180-degree different charm, the reason why the favorite high school is strong.

Jul 10, 2024

Jeongo starter Lee Ho-min is pitching hard in the 79th Blue Dragon Open National High School Championship match between Jeon High School and Cheonggo High School held at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 10th. Mokdong = Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2024.07.10/

"If I play my part, I think I'll get a good result."

'Winning Candidate' Jeon High School easily won the ticket to the quarterfinals of the Blue Dragon Flag.

Jeon High School won the cold game 13-05 times against Cheong High School in the round of 16 at the 79th Blue Dragon National High School Baseball Championship and the weekend league King Wangjung match (co-hosted by the Chosun Ilbo, Sports Chosun, and the Korea Baseball Softball Association) at Mokdong Stadium in Seoul on the 10th.

Jeon High School, who is trying to win the Blue Dragon Flag with ace Jung Woo-joo, who is aiming to be the No. 1 overall pick of the KBO rookie draft this year, was strong. Cheonggo, who led the turbulence by beating the powerhouse Hwimungo, did not become an opponent.

At the center was starter Lee Ho-min. In the second round against Chungam High School on the 7th, Jeon High School saved Jung Woo-joo, who threw 105 maximum throws per day, took the mound as a starter against Chungam High School and pitched well until the second inning, and once again dispatched Lee Ho-min, who was shaken in the third inning.

The 79th Blue Dragon High School National High School Championship match between Jeonju High School and Cheongju High School held at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 10th, and Jeonju High School advanced to the quarterfinals with a 13-0 cold game win in the fifth inning. Lee Ho-min, a former high school student, greets after the game. Mokdong = Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2024.07.10/

Lee Ho-min perfectly repaid the belief. Lee Ho-min is a great prospect pitcher, only hidden by Jung Woo-joo's fastball. A player who is a little slower in speed than Jung Woo-joo, but is well-received among scouts as a complete starter who has good control and game management. He throws various breaking balls, and it is widely believed that change-ups are already at the level of professional baseball. Team A scout said, `Lee Ho-min is in charge of the front in important games, creating a picture for Jung Woo-joo to shine even more", he explained. The scout of club B predicted that he could be selected in the top round of the draft, saying, `It's a pitcher who's perfectly flawless and all sides are good.' It is a 180-degree different charm compared to Jeong Woo-ju with a fiery fastball.

His fastball speed was only in the early 140km range on the day, but he overwhelmed the Blue Jays batters with his stable ball control and game management. Lee Ho-min pitched three ⅓ innings, one hit, three strikeouts, no four outs, and perfect pitching. In preparation for the next game, the replacement was made in the fourth inning. The number of pitches is only 39.

Lee Ho-min "Cheongju High School is the team that played Hwimungo. I thought it was a strong team. However, it was easy to solve the game because the fielders gave up a lot of points from the beginning of the game," he humbly expressed his feelings about the game.

사진=김용 기자

Lee Ho-min said "Chungam High School started with three triples in the first inning, and I think it was shaken three times because the tension was relieved. I tried to throw it easily today as well. I can show you a better performance than now. The restraint can also be raised further.'

Is there any anxiety that he might not be able to get attention due to Jung Woo-ju.

Lee Ho-min "There's nothing like that. We are close, and we give and receive a lot of help to each other. I think we'll get good results together if I do what I do."

Lastly, Lee Ho-min cited Won Tae-in, the native ace of the Samsung Lions, as his role model and said, "My goal is to be nominated for the top round as much as possible." Also, he will win the Blue Dragon Flag right away. You have to win no matter what" expressed a firm determination.

Jeonju High School will face Cheongdam High School, the winning team of the round of 16, in the quarterfinals. Cheongdam High School defeated Daejeon High School 8-2 and reached the quarterfinals on a first-come, first-served basis.

▶Today's results of Cheongryonggi (16th round, 2nd round)

Cheongdam High School 8-2 Daejeon High School

Choonghun High School 3-2 Gimhae High School

Jeon High School 13-0 Cheong High School (5 times cold)

Gwangju Il High School 6-0 Yatapo High School

Seoul High School 5-4 Gangneung High School

Deoksu High School 9-1 Geumnam High School (7th Cold)

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