LG Twins Kang Hyo-jong enters the regular season opening rotation as the 5th starter.
Kang Hyo-jong took the mound as a starting pitcher in an away game against KT Wiz in the 2023 KBO League demonstration game held at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 23rd. Kang Hyo-jong, who recorded 3 scoreless innings against Daegu Samsung on the 16th, his first appearance in the demonstration game, made a good pitch with 3 hits (1 home run), 2 walks, 3 strikeouts and 1 run in 4 innings and became the winning pitcher.
Although he had a home run and four pitches, he tied KT’s lineup by throwing a ball that was up to 150 km/h fast with a mix of curveball, slider, and changeup. He also managed his pitch count well, with a total of 54 pitches. LG used Kang Hyo-jong’s good pitch as a stepping stone to win 6-2 and keep first place in the demonstration game.스포츠토토
At the end of the first inning, Kang Hyo-jong, who had the top batting order of Cho Yong-ho, Kang Baek-ho, and Alford, in a tripartite withdrawal, got a right-handed hit from leader Park Byung-ho at the end of the second inning, but drew a double hit from Hwang Jae-gyun, struck out Bae Jeong-dae and ended the inning.
In the bottom of the 3rd inning, after Kim Joon-tae’s center fielder’s fly ball, Park Kyung-soo allowed a home run, but Kim Sang-soo and Jo Yong-ho turned ground balls and fly balls, respectively. Then, in the bottom of the 4th inning, Alford got a heavy hit, Park Byeong-ho walked, and Bae Jeong-dae allowed a ball that hit the body, putting the bases in danger with two outs, but Kim Joon-tae’s ground ball finished his pitching that day without any additional runs.
After the game, Kang Hyo-jong said, “Like the last game, I actively threw a strike to make an in-play hit and tried to win a quick match.” I think it’s fortunate,” he said.
Director Yeom Gyeong-yeop gave Kang Hyo-jong a passing grade. Director Yeom said, “It was good to see Kang Hyo-jong stealing the timing of hitters by throwing various breaking balls,” and nailed it, saying, “Kang Hyo-jong is confirmed as the 5th starter today.” Director Yeom said, “As a coach, I have high expectations that Hyo-jong will show a good performance this year,” and expected Kang Hyo-jong’s performance this season.