“Definitely the best No.1 pitcher in the KBO” Baseball genius also highly praised, unusual

The momentum of Wes Benjamin (30, USA), KT’s first starter, who had a perfect march from the opening game to 1 company in the 6th inning, is really unusual. ‘Baseball Genius’ Kang Baek-ho (24) praised him, saying, “Benjamin is the best pitcher in the KBO League. It cannot be compared to last year.”

Benjamin started in the opening game of the 2022 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO league with the LG Twins at KT Wiz Park in Suwon on the 1st, and pitched 2 hits, no 4 walks, 4 strikeouts and 1 run (own) in 6 innings (86 pitches), winning his first win of the season. took care of 안전놀이터

It was a perfect pitch that predicted a great performance this season. Benjamin joined KT as a substitute foreign pitcher for William Cuevas in May of last year. Last season, he started in 17 games and posted a good record of 5 wins and 4 losses with an ERA of 2.70. 75 hits (11 homers), 24 walks, 77 strikeouts, 34 runs (29 earned) in 96⅔ innings pitched. He pitched quality starts (less than 3 earned runs in 6 innings) and succeeded 11 times.

Last season was of course good, but this season he boasted a more upgraded look. On this day, in the first inning, Benjamin committed LG’s batting order to Seo Geon-chang, Park Hae-min, and Austin in a three-way violation. After that, he succeeded in handling 16 batters in a row until one company in the 6th inning, receiving strong applause from KT fans.

After one out in the 6th inning, Moon Bo-kyung allowed the first hit and the perfect march came to an end. When Hong Chang-ki followed up at bat, the foil came out and allowed him to advance to second base. However, Hong Chang-ki soon returned to striking out on a swing. 2 out. Seo Kun-chang’s batted ball was deflected after being hit by KT shortstop Kim Sang-soo’s glove, and in the meantime, second base runner Bo-kyung Moon scored. However, he struck out pinch hitter Moon Seong-joo on a swing and finished his pitching that day without any additional runs.

Benjamin’s total number of pitches that day was 86. While throwing 39 fastballs, 20 cutters, 19 sliders, 6 changeups, and 2 curveballs, respectively, the highest speed of the fastball came up to 151 km.

After the game, KT coach Lee Kang-cheol, the command tower, said, “Thanks to the enthusiastic support of many home fans, we were able to win the home opening match. It is even more meaningful because it was the 10th anniversary victory.” It must have been a burden because it was his first game, but he overcame it well and showed the appearance of being the first starter.”

How did Kang Baek-ho, a ‘baseball genius’ who excelled as a pitcher in high school, see teammate Benjamin’s pitching? He couldn’t help but admire, saying, “I think it will definitely be the KBO league number one (No. 1).”

Kang Baek-ho said, “I tried simulation batting once, and the ball was really, really good. He is really good. He has good breaking pitches and good corner work. He has a good personality and works hard. He seems to be a flawless foreign pitcher.”

Benjamin said after the game, “It was my first appearance this year, and I am satisfied with the speed of the fastball. My goal this season was to increase my speed compared to last year, but the first start was good.” “I tried to throw aggressively into the strike zone. I’m not satisfied with the breaking ball, but I think there are areas where I can move forward that much,” he said. I want to continue to work hard this season based on good energy,” he promised.