"Safety net? No!" Up to 151km bang! I was worried about traumaKIA's first real game!

Oct 09, 2024

◇photo courtesy of the KIA Tigers

The trauma and worry caused by the big injury was rain.

KIA Tigers foreign pitcher James Nail received a passing score on his first real pitch after being injured. Nail started a practice game against Sangmu at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on the 9th and recorded one hit (one homer) and one strikeout and one run in two innings. The total number of pitches is 35.

Nail who fractured her jaw joint after being hit by a ball against the Changwon NC Dinos on August 24th. Recovery after surgery was the key, but rehabilitation began in early September with the goal of taking the mound in the Korean Series. For Nail, who went through a step-by-step pitching program, the game was the first real game of her injury.

As it was a practice game, 'Special Regulations' were applied. For nails only, a safety net will be installed in front of the mound to prevent batting when pitching. KIA manager Lee Bum-ho said, `We decided to set up the pitching network only when Nail throws it after asking the management for understanding. As a result of communication between the player himself and the pitching coach, I called Sangmu and asked for his understanding because it was his first appearance", he explained.

◇photo courtesy of the KIA Tigers

Nail hit three batters in the top of the first inning. There was no safety net when pitching in the top of the second inning. an expression of one's will to shake off the trauma. Nail allowed a left-center solo shot to Sangmu Lee Jae-won, but then handled the three batters with a misfire and strikeout, respectively. He faced two more batters at the request of manager Lee, but Nail finished the pitch on the day by dealing with each of the mis-strike and strikeouts.

Nail's maximum fastball speed on the day was 151 km. He used all of his pitches, including two-seam (145-149km), change-up (136-140km), cutter (138-142km) and sweeper (129-135km). restraint as before injury. After the pitch, Nail went to the bullpen and threw 20 more pitches.

◇photo courtesy of the KIA Tigers

"First of all, I'm happy and grateful to be able to go back to the mound," Nail said. "The overall pitching is satisfactory." I pitched while keeping the same game routine as the season. I played with all the pitches checked" he said. "The biggest harvest was no pain in the injured area, and overcoming trauma on the mound," he said. "He recovered faster than I thought because he managed well in the training part."I expressed my gratitude. "I will try to take care of my condition until the Korean Series and show good performance to many fans," he said.

ppark@sportschosun.com

"Safety net? No!" Up to 151km bang! I was worried about traumaKIA's first real game!

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