“I thought, ‘I want to hit (a home run) when (Adam) Plutko throws.’ I am so happy that my home run can lead to a victory.”
Catcher Park Dong-won, who won consecutive victories over his team, the LG Twins, delivered his impressions.
LG won 2-1 in an away game against NC Dinos in the 2023 Professional Baseball KBO League held at Changwon NC Park on the 3rd.
The beginning was tight. LG and NC started pitchers Adam Plutko and Koo Chang-mo, respectively, as the game progressed. At the end of the first inning, LG, who was dragged away by giving Park Min-woo a left-handed solo shot, returned the game to the starting point thanks to Park Hae-min’s push walk in the top of the second inning.
And at the beginning of the 5th inning, LG seized the victory. It was thanks to Park Dong-won, who started as the 8th hitter and catcher that day. As the lead batter, he played against starting pitcher Koo Chang-mo to the 11th pitch, and after hitting a forkball, he fired a solo shot that went over the wall in the middle left. It was a home run that destroyed opponent ace Gu Chang-mo, who had been fighting hard with one run until this inning, and a shot that perfectly brought the atmosphere to LG.
Coincidentally, before the game, LG coach Yeom Gyeong-yeop mentioned Park Dong-won’s poor contact ability, but also encouraged him by saying, “Currently, the player with the highest probability of home run for our team is Park Dong-won.” Perhaps because of this, Park Dong-won hit a home run and energetically gave a high-five to coach Yeom, who was more delighted than anyone else.
Park Dong-won’s final batting performance that day was 1 hit in 3 at-bats, 1 walk and 1 RBI. In this way, with Park Dong-won and starting pitcher Plutko, who perfectly lived up to the expectations of the command tower, and added one run in 7 innings, LG faced the sweet result of a 3-game winning series during the week with 2 consecutive wins. With 17 wins and 11 losses, the season record is also ranked 1st place Lotte Giants (15 wins 9 losses) and 3rd place without a win or loss, so you can aim for the lead at any time. 크크크벳
In particular, Park Dong-won’s home run is said to have a story of deep friendship with Plutko. He said in a broadcast interview after the game, “(Plutko won the victory thanks to it) thank you.” At that time (Plutko) said, “You’re going to hit a home run today,” but I thought, “I want to hit a home run next time you throw.” I am so happy that my home run can lead to victory,” he smiled brightly.
Plutko, who has been active in LG since last season, recorded 15 wins, 5 losses, and an average ERA of 2.39 that year, securing a place in LG’s starting lineup. He didn’t stop there and improved even more this season. His performance, including this NC match, is 5 wins, no losses, and an average ERA of 1.49 in 6 games (36.1 innings).
Park Dong-won, who received his ball as the main host, said, “(Plutko) has a good pitch, but even commands are good. He throws the manned ball well and throws it deep into the body at the time of the hit. I think that part is so good that good grades are coming out,” he explained the reason for Plutco’s promotion.
LG’s finishing pitcher Woo-seok Ko is currently out of the lineup due to a back injury. Accordingly, LG declared a collective finishing system, and the pitcher who took the mound in the bottom of the ninth on this day was right-handed sidearm Park Myung-geun, who is having his debut season. Park Myung-geun made his first save in his career by putting Park Min-woo (left fielder fly), Park Gun-woo (strikeout), and Cheon Jae-hwan (center fielder fly) to sleep.
Park Dong-won, who contributed to Park Myung-geun’s first save with a stable lead, raised his thumbs up saying, “Thank you to Park Myung-geun for making a save in an important situation even though he is a young rookie.”
It was LG, which had taken the lead at one point in April, but the finish was not good. It lost all three matches against the KIA Tigers, which took place at home from the 28th to the 30th of last month. Fortunately, by defeating NC two days in a row, it provided an opportunity for a rebound.
Park Dong-won said, “The beginning (of May) was good, but I will make the end even better. He gave strength, saying, “I will work hard so that (fans) can enjoy baseball by winning the victory by doubling the disappointment in April.”