The World Baseball Classic (WBC) was an important stage for Lee Jung-hoo (Kiwoom Heroes) and Yamamoto Yoshinobu (Orix Buffaloes), who are about to advance to the major leagues, but the ‘165km’ monster Sasaki Loki (Chiba Lotte Marines) was also an important stage. It was clear that it was a contest to take a ‘snow stamp’. Legends from ‘Cyyoungsang’ poured rave reviews. 메이저놀이터

Sasaki rose to stardom last year by achieving a rare ‘perfect game’ against the Orix Buffaloes, such as spraying a fast ball of up to 164 km. At the time, numerous media outlets in the United States focused on Sasaki’s ‘great record’. Sasaki couldn’t play the full season last season due to a finger blister injury and physical problems, but he posted an impressive 9-4 record with a 2.02 ERA in 20 games and was selected for the WBC Japan team.

In a practice game prior to the WBC, Sasaki threw a fastball of up to 165 km and stood shoulder to shoulder with Shohei Otani (LA Angels)’s Japanese fastest speed, and in a match against the Czech Republic, he struck out 8 in 3⅔ innings and allowed 1 run ( Bija book) showed pitching. At that time, the highest speed was 164 km, and the Tokyo Dome heated up. His performance did not stop at one time.

Sasaki returned to the mound after 10 days, in the semifinal against the Mexican national team. It is an important stage that has no choice but to put a heavy burden on your shoulders. Numerous scouts visited Londipo Park in Miami, Florida, USA to check Sasaki’s talent. Japan’s “Full Count”

At that time, Sasaki broke off a three-way start with two strikeouts in the first inning. And after overcoming the crisis of conceding in the second inning with double batting, in the third inning, he continued his scoreless cruise by tying up another Mexican lineup. Unfortunately, it was the 4th time. Sasaki quickly accumulated two outcounts, but was hit with consecutive hits and was on the verge of conceding, and was attacked by Luis Urias with a 145km forkball, allowing three runs.

Sasaki finished the inning without giving up any additional runs after the home run, but from the fifth inning, he passed the mound to Yamamoto and was replaced. At that time, Sasaki’s performance was obviously impressive, with 64 pitches, 5 hits (1 home run), 3 strikeouts and 3 runs (3 earned) in 4 innings, but it was a pitch that left much to be desired.

However, Sasaki’s appearance at the WBC seems to have taken a ‘snow stamp’ from many people. John Smoltz, who won the National League Cy Young Award in 1996 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015, with a major league record of 213 wins, 155 losses, 154 saves and a 3.33 ERA, said, “This kid (Sasaki) is special. 64 scouts came. .

Jake Peavy, who won the National League Cy Young Award in 2007, said, “The 21-year-old pitcher (Sasaki) against Mexico was great. He threw 100 miles (about 161 km) and threw 92 miles (about 148 km). ) threw a slider. Pinpoint’s control was unbelievably excellent,” he said. “92 miles was my fastball restraint during my active career.”

Continuing, Phoebe continued, “The hitter seems to know where the ball is going, but he misses 30cm. This is a top-notch ball.” You’ll see it in,” he said, pouring out rave reviews.