Doosan, which had been suffering from the harsh history of foreign pitchers, has finally found an ace comparable to 'legendary foreign pitcher' Dustin Nippert.

The Doosan Bears won 2-0 against the Samsung Lions in the first match of the season held at the Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on April 28.

Doosan decorated its home opener with a victory, recording a season total of 2 wins and 4 losses.

Doosan starter Cole Ervin achieved his first win in the KBO League after 2 games, pitching 7 innings with 3 hits, 2 walks, and no runs allowed on 87 pitches. He was followed by Lee Young-ha (⅔ inning, no runs) and Kim Taek-yeon (1⅓ innings, no runs), with Kim earning his second save of the season.

The batting lineup scored the first and decisive run in the bottom of the third inning. After one out, Jung Soo-bin's surprise bunt single was the catalyst. Samsung starter Ariel Hurado caught the ball and quickly threw to first base, but Jung Soo-bin, sliding headfirst, was faster.

Following that, Kim Jae-hwan made a right-field single, creating a 1st and 2nd base opportunity with two outs. Kang Seung-ho, in a 0B-2S disadvantageous count, hit Hurado's fourth curve perfectly, smashing a two-run double that broke through the right-center field. It was the moment of the decisive hit.

Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop praised the pitching staff after the game, saying, 'Starter Cole Ervin handled 7 innings with a clean pitching performance worthy of a number one starter. I also want to commend captain Yang Eui-ji for leading Ervin’s strong performance. Kim Taek-yeon, who handled 4 outs in a narrow lead, also shined.'

'In the batting lineup, Kang Seung-ho's hit was precious. It provided the team with a lead with a good ball that broke through the right-center field,' he praised the hero of the decisive hit.

Doosan had all 23,750 seats at the Jamsil Stadium sold out by 5:27 p.m., about an hour before the home opener. Manager Lee Seung-yeop expressed gratitude on behalf of the players, saying, 'I am satisfied that we were able to give a victory to our fans in the home opener. Thank you for your support despite the chilly weather.'

Doosan will seek a winning series against Samsung on April 29, led by second starter Jack Logan. Samsung is expected to start Won Tae-in.

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