The return of the left-hander ace, who waited 417 days, attracted KIA fans…Thank you for cheering for us
Jul 20, 2025
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KIA Tigers left-hander ace Lee Eui-ri finally stood on the mound at Gwangju Kia Champions Field. It was the first return match in 417 days since the match against the NC Dinos on May 29 last year.
Lee Eui-ri started against the Gwangju NC Dinos on the 20th and retired without winning or losing after recording two hits (two home runs) with 64 pitches and two walks with two strikeouts and two runs in four innings. KIA came from behind to win 3-2, escaping from a four-game losing streak, and at the same time winning its first game in the second half.
He mostly threw fastballs (47), mixed breaking balls including changeups (8), curves (5), and sliders (4). The maximum fastball speed was 151km and the average speed was 146km. The restraint was almost restored, and the zero was not well established yet. Of the 64 pitches, 32 were balls.
Looking back on his return match, Lee Eui-ri said "It was a little disappointing because I didn't seem to have used a lot of breaking balls today (20th). The strike and ball ratio was 5 to 5, but when the fastball had a lot of balls, I threw a lot of fastballs, so the result came out a little faster, so I think I finished the number of pitches a little less in the fourth inning" he said.
It was the most frustrating to give up a home run at the start of the first inning. It was 0-1 after being hit by a solo shot to the left by leadoff hitter Kim Joo-won. The slider hit at ball count 2B1S. Kim Joo-won's first leadoff home run in the first inning.
After one out in the second inning, he was hit by a left-handed home run by the league's top right-handed hitter Park Gun-woo. Park Kun-woo pulled a 147km/h fastball that went high in the body from the ball count 2B1S. He allowed two solo shots, allowing two runs.
Lee Eui-ri `I was a little disappointed in my first home run. As soon as I came, my friend (Kim Joo-won) gave me a present, so I was disappointed. The second home run was a little disappointing, so I think I laughed. Overall, I think I came in for a fastball today, but I was a little disappointed that he threw a fastball from there."
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Lee Eui-ri "I think he was a little nervous because he cheered a lot from the beginning. Still, people around me said a lot of good things, so I think I threw it a little bit fun."
KIA manager Lee Bum-ho said, `I think it was a satisfactory pitch considering that Lee Eui-ri allowed two solo home runs, but it was his first appearance since returning from injury. It was an anticipated pitch for the next game."
He only pitched four innings for the first time, but he plans to gradually increase the number of pitches by adapting to the atmosphere of the first team. The next appearance is expected to be against the Sajik Lotte Giants on the 26th.
Lee Eui-ri said "Arresting is also the first game, and when you're nervous, the original ball seems to get a little faster. But I think I need to maintain the right amount of tension. I think it'll be great if I keep this much"He continued to pitch better and vowed to repay the fans' wait in the meantime."
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
