“This is my first time taking on a new position this season, and I believe things will get better from here.”

NC Dinos manager Lee Ho-jun embraced new closer Ryu Jin-wook, who was hit hard by Park Byung-ho during the Samsung game in Daegu on the 26th.

Ryu Jin-wook, who marked his first save of the season with 1 inning, 1 home run allowed, 1 strikeout, and 1 earned run against KIA in Gwangju on the 23rd, recorded 1 inning, 2 hits allowed (1 home run), and 2 earned runs on the 26th, allowing a two-run homer to Park Byung-ho in the 9th inning while leading 8-4.

Following Jeon Sa-min, Ryu Jin-wook took the mound and allowed a double to the first batter, Kim Young-woong, to right-center. Soon after, he threw a fastball (147 km/h) on the fifth pitch against Park Byung-ho, giving up a two-run shot to left. After that, he retired Ryu Ji-hyeok (groundout to second), Kim Heon-gon (flyout to right), and Kim Ji-chan (lineout to shortstop), securing an 8-4 victory.

Ahead of the Samsung game in Daegu on the 27th, manager Lee Ho-jun met with reporters and said, “Since we won the game, it’s okay. This is my first time taking on a new position this season, and I believe things will get better from here,” adding, “Middle relief and closing are different. Unlike before, I will feel the value of each pitch.”

Manager Lee Ho-jun also noted, “Batters become more focused in the 9th inning. Ryu Jin-wook will feel this as well. He needs to recognize how batters approach and adapt on the mound.”

It is not expected that Ryu Jin-wook, who has taken on the close role, will show perfect performance from the start. Manager Lee Ho-jun anticipated that there would be some trial and error since it is his first time, saying, “As it is Ryu Jin-wook’s first time closing, there will definitely be issues, and I am a bit worried about the home runs allowed. Pitching design is important to reduce long balls.”

He further remarked, “There are times when it is necessary to be bold and give a walk, and it is also important to have the composure to face the next batter. With experience, he will become a formidable closer.”

Meanwhile, the NC lineup was composed of left fielder Kwon Hee-dong, shortstop Kim Joo-won, right fielder Son Ah-seop, first baseman Matt Davidson, designated hitter Park Gun-woo, catcher Kim Hyung-jun, second baseman Do Tae-hoon, third baseman Kim Hwi-jip, and center fielder Park Si-won. Park Min-woo was excluded from the starting lineup after injuring his left middle finger while attempting to steal a base during the game on the 26th.

Manager Lee Ho-jun reported, “Park Min-woo has a bruise on his left middle finger. The pain is worse today than yesterday. He was excluded for player protection purposes.” He also added, “Thanks to Park Min-woo's successful two stolen bases yesterday, the atmosphere improved. It is not yet serious enough for him to go to the hospital, but we will need to see how he feels after resting today.”

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