Even a day later, the biggest topic of conversation in both dugouts at SSG Landers Field in Incheon was KT WIZ Submarine pitcher Ko Young-pyo (32).
SSG Landers manager Lee Sung-yong, who was close to Ko during his time as KT’s manager, recalled the game the day before the 26th, saying, “It was the first time I faced him as an opponent and I felt ‘overwhelmed’.” “We prepared our game plan hard, but he pitched so well,” he admitted in defeat.
KT manager Lee Kang-cheol praised Ko’s pitch mix yesterday, saying, “I think he realized how to pitch to survive.”
On the 25th, Ko pitched seven innings against the Incheon SSG, allowing just two hits and no earned runs.
In the team’s 6-1 victory, Ko picked up his first win (2-2) in 85 days since April 2 against the KIA Tigers before feeling elbow pain.
Manager Lee “Enemy General” Sung-yong Lee was wary of SSG’s nemesis relationship with Ko.
Ko’s career record against SSG, including his time with the SK Wyverns (SSG’s predecessor), is 11-5 with a 3.45 ERA.
Since 2021, when SSG acquired SK and recreated the organization, he has dominated opponents with an 8-1 record and a 1.98 ERA.
“At some point, we have to take down Ko Young-pyo,” Lee said, adding, “To be beaten like this by a specific player is something that the entire SSG squad, including myself, will have to think about.”
“It seems like we’ve been losing to SSG this season (3-4) because he’s been out for a long time due to elbow pain,” Lee laughed.
Lee was even more pleased with Ko’s 25th inning performance.
He threw 28 two-seam and four-seam pitches, 32 changeups, 18 curves, and five sliders.
Manager Lee Kang-cheol said, “Young-pyo Koh utilized his curveball and slider well on the 25th. He showed the slow ball first and threw two-seam pitches, so the hitters felt more speed.” “He is a pitcher who induces ground balls well, but second baseman Oh Yoon-seok and first baseman Moon Sang-chul played solid defense, which made it easier for him to throw. It was a game where Ko Young-pyo gained a lot,” he said with a smile. 파워볼