The opening game was twisted. Heaven helpedHow Lotte KT's Aces came to the mound after a long journey

Mar 16, 2025

Photo =Sports Chosun DB, KT Wiz

"You only have to throw the starting pitchers..."

Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 16th, when the exhibition game between Lotte Giants and KT Wiz was held. Before the game, both Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyung and KT manager Lee Kang-chul were busy figuring out the weather.

The two teams failed to play an exhibition game on the 15th, a day earlier. Barnes (Lotte) and Heysus (KT), who were originally designated as the opening starters, were going to throw the game. The two coaches also dispatched players to take the mound in the second-tier game at Sangdong Stadium if the Sajik first-tier game was canceled. This is because there was also a rain forecast on the 16th. This is because if the two could not throw for two days, the mound could be pushed back until the 17th, forcing them to rest for four days and leave the opening game. When the body was not 100% raised, it was best to take a good rest for five days even if it was about 80 pitches.

However, the second-tier game was also canceled due to rain, and the 16th was also on the verge of cancellation. However, contrary to the forecast, it did not rain in the morning. There was no forecast at 1 p.m., the start of the game. However, there was news that it would rain again from 2-3 o'clock.

사진=김용 기자

Both directors felt the same way. "You have to play if you can.", And "It's okay not to do it all, so I hope the starting pitchers will fill up the number of pitches and rain." was. The fielders didn't have to overdo it because it was raining and there was a risk of injury while playing in cold weather. The sense of the game has come up a lot. In the end, he was the starting pitcher.

After such twists and turns, the game began. Both Barnes and Heysus pitched well, knowing that the game was difficult. Heyesus showed a great performance in dealing with the first inning with three trimesters. Barnes pitched no runs until the fourth inning.

Lotte scored the first run with Na Seung-yeop's timely hit in the second inning, and KT turned the game around with Bae Jeong-dae's two-run double in the top of the fifth inning. However, after this hit, the raindrops that fell little by little became very thick. a stoppage of play. And it was canceled after half an hour. No game.

사진=김용 기자

Still, both coaches were able to breathe a sigh of relief. In the case of Barnes, he played 78 pitches in four ⅔ innings. I almost got the 80 pitches that were originally scheduled. Heysus, who was on the mound due to horse attack, stopped four innings with 66 pitches, and although the number of pitches was a little short, he continued to spray up to 151 kilometers of fastballs, so you don't have to worry too much.

So, both of them finished their final rehearsal ahead of the opening game. Lotte will face the LG Twins in Jamsil and KT will face the Hanwha Eagles in home Suwon. "It's an honor to be able to start the opening game on behalf of the team," Barnes said. "It's more important than any other game. I want to win for the team" expressed his determination.

Heissus also "I'm really happy to get the chance to start the opening game. I've been selected once in the U.S. minor leagues for the opening game, and I feel different from then. No matter who the opponent is, I will help the team win."

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.