“I gained more strength because the hyungs supported me.”
Another jewel has landed at SSG. 19-year-old rookie Song Young-jin won his first start. On the 14th, in the home game of the ‘2023 Shinhan Bank SOL (Sol) KBO League’ against NC held at Incheon SSG Landers Field, a power struggle was unfolded. He recorded 5 scoreless innings and won his first victory (2-1) in his thrilling debut. Song Young-jin said, “It feels good to be able to get my first win quickly. Rather than being nervous, he believed in my ball and tried to throw it with confidence. I will keep my current condition well and prepare to do better in the next game.” 안전놀이터
Song Young-jin wore the SSG uniform in the 2nd round (15th overall) of the 2023 rookie draft. He had great expectations. He not only digested the 1st team spring camp from the US to Japan, but also played 4 exhibition games, proving his potential with 1 win, 1 hold, and an ERA of 1.50. He boarded the opening entry. He had previously been out of the bullpen for two games and had an earned run average of 0 in 4⅔ innings. The opportunity has come. ‘Ace’ Kim Gwang-hyeon decided to take a break due to inflammation of his left shoulder bursitis. The head coach selected Song Young-jin as the temporary starter.
His unstoppable pitching stood out. He dished out his opponents with his aggressive pitching. In five innings he threw 82 balls. He is the background that made efficient game management possible. He did not allow a single hit. He only gave up one hit ball and two walks. He struck out seven times. It is even more surprising when I think of the NC lineup, which has been in a good flow recently. In 11 games before the match, the team had a batting average of 0.287. His highest fastball velocity was recorded at 151 km. Various breaking balls such as sliders, forkballs, and curves also stood out.
SSG is a ‘house that becomes’. The current starting rotation is different from the picture envisioned before the opening. Not only Kim Gwang-hyun, but also Annie Romero, the one-two punch was absent. Still, I don’t feel any gaps. He is showing off his thick depth by properly blowing up even the surprise starter card. The goodwill competition with Yoon Young-chul (KIA) and Kim Seo-hyun (Hanwha), who were in the spotlight first, is also a point that draws attention. Song Young-jin said, “They are very good friends. I want to show my strengths without worrying about those things.”