TV
CK Monsters suffered a complete game loss for the first time since their founding.
In the 69th episode of JTBC's entertainment program 'Strongest Baseball', which aired on the 4th, the first game between CK Monsters and Gangneung Yeongdong National University took place.
CK Monsters won a sweep in two consecutive games against Chung-Ang University and achieved three consecutive wins, leaving only two magic numbers for the season's winning percentage of 70%. ‘Baby Monster’ Moon Kyo-won, who played well in his debut game with 2 hits in 4 at-bats, was proudly named to the starting lineup as the 7th hitter and shortstop.
Shin Jae-young, who gave up a whopping 4 runs in the first game against Chung-Ang University, took the mound as a starting pitcher in the first game against Gangneung Yeongdong University the year before. He showed a cautious attitude, saying, "I will work hard, be humble, and throw well so as not to avoid damage. I will never throw like the last game."
The batters of Gangneung Yeongdong University scored the first run by putting Shin Jae-young in a hard position from the beginning of the first inning of the game. Accordingly, the CK Monsters captain Park Yong-taek changed the atmosphere with a come-from-behind two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. Gangneung Yeongdong University immediately tied the score with Jeon Da-min's solo home run in the top of the third inning, and succeeded in coming back with a score of 3-2 in the top of the fourth inning.
Shin Jae-young stayed on the mound until the 6th inning, pitching with all his might, pushing the number of pitches to his limit. However, the CK Monsters hitters were unable to score as they waved their bats helplessly at Gangneung Yeongdong University starting pitcher Kim Dong-hyun's ball.
Oh Joo-won, who took the mound after Shin Jae-young, did not allow any additional runs. The last chance for a comeback for the mighty Monsters came with Moon Kyo-won's at-bat with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. Unfortunately, Kyo-Won Moon retired with a ground ball and was unable to score. CK Monsters suffered a complete loss, 2-3.
I've seen the CK Monsters throw a complete game and shutout, but it was even more shocking because it was the first time since the team was founded that they lost a complete game to the opposing team. The achievement of a 70% win rate for the season has become uncertain again.
After the game, the CK Monsters' locker room was heavier than ever. Captain Park Yong-taek comforted the players and instructed them to prepare well. He expressed his determination, saying, "This is a real crisis. This is a team that feels strong for the first time in a long time. Tomorrow, regardless of the reason, we must win by any means necessary."
With this loss, the CK Monsters have 20 wins and 8 losses out of 28 matches, with a winning percentage of 70% and 4%. There are only three regular games left for them this season. Of these, you must win 2 games to achieve a 70% win rate. ‘Best Baseball’ is a program in which 30 games are played in a season and if the winning percentage is not achieved at 70%, the program is abolished.
Everyone's attention is focused on whether the CK Monsters can win the second game against Gangneung Yeongdong University, which became the most important watershed this season, and move one step closer to Season 3.
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr
