"Autumn baseball? I want to win Lotte with my own hands." The future that I dream of finishing my long hair in my 13th year in Busan

Sep 11, 2024

photo courtesy of Lotte Giants

A game between the LG Twins and the Lotte Giants at Jamsil Stadium on the 10th. Lotte players, who won after extra time, are happy. Jamsil = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.09.10/

"Autumn baseball?" Of course, I want to go. My dream is to win the Lotte Giants with my own hands. I've been thinking about that a lot since I was a kid."

Kim Won-joong's expression was bright after finishing the difficult match.

Lotte won 2-1 against the LG Twins in Jamsil on the 10th with Reyes' final hit in the top of the 10th inning after a bloody battle in the 10th inning.

Kim Won-joong, who took the mound in the bottom of the ninth inning with a 1-1 tie, kept his team's victory by allowing no runs in two innings.

In the ninth inning, Austin was allowed to hit deep in the left field, but fortunately, left fielder Jeon Joon-woo caught it in front of the fence.

The final 10th inning was even more formidable. LG leadoff hitter Park Dong-won allowed a hit, and fast runner Choi Seung-min appeared.

However, Kim Won-joong struck out Lee Young-bin with three pitches. Lotte's third catcher Kang Tae-yul then cheered by blocking Choi Seung-min's steal to second base. He gave up a walk to Park Hae-min, but he closed the game by handling Koo Bon-hyuk with a fly ball to second base.

Lotte Kim Won-joong. Sports Chosun DB

Kim Won-joong, whom I met after the game, always takes the mound with the same heart. I'm determined to prevent it, he said. I also try not to think bad about July's slump. I don't even think I've slowed down. If I shake, the team shakes, too. There are difficult periods in life. I tried to forget it quickly. After the game, I eat delicious food, and as you know, I organize my thoughts by playing a game or two."

As for multi-inning, "It's my duty to go out if the coach tells me to go out. He added, "I just think that if I go up, I will block it unconditionally."

As for catching Choi Seung-min's stolen base, Kang Tae-yul is on good terms with " (catcher) Kang Tae-yul. I know it's a strong opinion. I had faith that if I didn't lose the timing, Taeyul would catch me, and I did one," he said with a big smile. Then "All three of our catchers are strong opinions. "Whether you throw a fork ball or a runner goes out, I trust our catchers and throw it."

"When I started, I threw 100 pitches and 5 innings with responsibility. Even now, I just think that I have to finish my mission. Austin's ball went farther than I thought, but I believed Jun-woo would catch it well."

Kim Won-joong said of healthy hobbies such as playing games "I don't stay up late. It's about one or two rounds after eating. When I rest, I try to forget about baseball. Isn't that a hobby?" he smiled.

photo courtesy of Lotte Giants

As for coach Kim Tae-hyung's advice during the game, he strongly talks about the elements. 'You have to deal with it, we're all looking at you right now, and you can't shake. Go in confidently. You win. 'Stay stronger' It's sobering to hear that. I'm energized."

Lotte is holding on to a faint hope of fall baseball. At the end of this season, he will become an FA. For Kim Won-joong, putting Lotte on the fall baseball league is the way to increase his value.

"Of course. I want to win Lotte with my own hands. I play every game thinking I win every game. Rather than being chased, I want to enjoy myself and win."

lunarfly@sportschosun.com