The command tower also did not hide its surprise. Last year, the highest restraint was taken at the beginning of the camp, and it was improved in all areas, not just restraint. So, it was unusual for him to be the starting pitcher for the opening game in mid-February.
Expectations lead to results. In the opening match, which draws as much attention as the postseason, he overpowered his opponent and became the winning pitcher. Last year, he led the opponent who struggled with 3 runs in 4 innings with a good pitching of 6 innings and 1 run (visa). The top speed was 151 km/h, 2 km higher than last year. Prior to the pitching, the pitching was also perfect. He boasted perfect corner work without committing a single walk. This is the story of Wes Benjamin (30), a left-handed pitcher who has risen as KT’s new ace.
Last year, when I first set foot on Korean soil, I wasn’t in a bad shape. Benjamin, who joined KT in June of last year, spent his first season in the KBO League with an ERA of 2.70 with 5 wins and 4 losses in 17 games and 96.2 innings. He drew an upward curve through repeated practice and pitched well in the postseason. He was, of course, classified as a contract renewal target.
What is interesting about him is the following. Benjamin, who renewed his contract with KT early, caught the ball even in the winter. He honed his skills through his personal training and surprised everyone at camp in Tucson, Arizona, USA in February. From live pitching, he threw a fastball close to 150 km, defeating opponents Kang Baek-ho and Park Byeong-ho.
In an interview with reporters on February 15, during the camp period, KT coach Lee Kang-cheol said, “Please treat it as a big deal. Benjamin announced that he would be the starting pitcher for the opening match with LG,” and “He made a good body in the United States. The best speed of the season is already coming out. Then, this image can definitely come out during the season. LG, the opponent for the opening game, mainly consists of left-handed batters. That’s why I chose Benjamin as my opening pitcher.”
Director Lee’s choice was right. According to the blueprint drawn by coach Lee, Benjamin played an excellent role against LG, which has many left-handed hitters. He pitched perfect through the fifth inning. In the top of the 6th inning, Moon Bo-kyung ran with 16 consecutive batters before getting on base with a heavy hit. Moon Bo-kyung advanced to second base with the catcher’s foil and was hit in time by Seo Geon-chang, but the run ended there.
As Benjamin won last year’s winning match against LG ace Casey Kelly, KT also defeated LG 11-6 and won the opening game. 토토사이트
After the game, the main character was, of course, Benjamin. Coach Lee said, “Benjamin pitched the best as expected before the season. It must have been a burden because it was his first game, but he overcame it well and showed the appearance of a first starter.”
Kang Baek-ho, who swung the bat hot with three hits including a home run, also praised Benjamin when he was asked a question. He said, “I think Benjamin is the best left pitcher in the KBO this year. I played against him in live pitching and simulation games, but the left-handed hitter throws a really difficult ball. everything is good His pitching, control, and corner work are perfect,” he raised his voice. In addition, “He has a good personality and speaks Korean well. Flawless. I’m just glad we’re on the same team,” he laughed.
KT’s greatest strength is its starting lineup. This is especially true of indigenous selection. It is full of starting pitchers coveted by all teams, including Koh Young-pyo, Sohn Joon-jun, Um Sang-baek, and Bae-seong Bae. Still, if I had to pick one of the jade clothes, it was the lack of a left hand, but Benjamin perfectly fills this part.
As Benjamin took off, KT built a starting lineup with all types of left, right, and sidearms at a high level.