TV
'Korean Monster' Ryu Hyun-jin appeared as the first pitcher in 'Monsters'
In the 74th episode of JTBC's entertainment program 'A Clean Sweep', which aired on the 8th, the last intuitive match of the season was held between the Monsters and Dankook University.
Monsters succeeded in achieving a 70% win rate this season and confirmed the 2024 season. The Monsters, who are happy to be able to play baseball next year, were given the final mission of the 2023 season. General Manager Jang Si-won made an unprecedented pledge to add one win to the 2024 season if he wins a special game against Dankook University, the winner of the 2023 National Sports Festival.
Monsters, who keenly felt the importance of their first win this season, burned their will to win. As it is the last game of the 2023 season, the competition for starting spots was more intense than ever. Ace Lee Dae-eun was selected by coach Kim Seong-geun, Park Yong-taek was named as the designated hitter, and Yoo Tae-woong was named to the starting lineup as shortstop.
Special guests appeared for the intuition competition and surprised everyone. ‘R&B fairy’ Park Jung-hyun sang the national anthem, and ‘real monster’ Ryu Hyun-jin appeared as the first pitcher, leaving unforgettable memories for everyone. It was reported that Ryu Hyun-jin met separately with general manager Jang Si-won after throwing out the first pitch. After hearing this news, the broadcasting team expected Ryu Hyun-jin to join ‘Best Baseball’. When caster Jeong Yong-gum asked, "Can you match Ryu Hyun-jin's salary?" Commissioner Kim Seon-woo said, "We should hit him," causing laughter.
The real game has begun. Silence continued until the second inning amid the great work of pitchers and defenders from both teams. However, in the top of the third inning, Dankook University shook Lee Dae-eun with continued strategy and succeeded in scoring the first run. Dankook University succeeded in stealing as many as three bases in the third inning alone, taking away the spirit of the strongest Monsters battery.
Monsters immediately followed suit. In the bottom of the third inning, while Dankook University was shaken by consecutive errors, they gathered runners, and Dae-ho Lee came to the plate with the bases loaded and runners with two outs. Dae-ho Lee, who lost the batting title to Moon-ho Kim due to his poor performance in the last game of the 2023 season, washed away his sorrow by hitting a double at the right time in this at-bat.
Monsters rode the flow and ran without hesitation. Lee Dae-eun, who received solid support from the defense, regained his original pace, and the batters scored an additional point with a skillful play that shook Dankook University's infield and ran away with a 4-1 score.
However, Dankook University also appears to be not at ease. Dankook University, which was leading the game, launched a counterattack and the atmosphere in Jamsil began to change again. Dankook University's batting line explodes, and even ace Lee Dae-eun is in danger.
With the game nearly halfway through, everyone's attention is focused on whether Monsters, who showed even performance in two-hit games, will be able to continue the momentum and present victory to the spectators who attended the final direct game of the 2023 season.
The 74th episode of 'A Clean Sweep' recorded a viewer rating of 3.7% (provided by Nielsen Korea, based on paying households in the metropolitan area), continuing to gain popularity in the new year. The 2049 viewership rating was also 1.7%, making it a hot topic.
The results of the special match between Monsters and Dankook University can be seen on the 75th episode of 'A Clean Sweep' at 10:30 pm on the 15th.
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr
