[스포츠한국 김성수 기자] Moon Dong-joo, who was called up to Coach Ryu Joong-il’s Korean Team, has work to do first when he returns to the Hanwha Eagles. He listens to the sound of Ryu Hyun-jin.
Hyunjin Ryu. ⓒKBSN Sports
Moon Dong-ju started the game against the San Diego Padres in the 2024 Major League Seoul Series Special Game held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul at 7 pm on the 17th and recorded 2 innings, allowing 1 run, no hits, 4 a walk, and 2 strikeouts.
Hanwha’s Moon Dong-ju is being evaluated as Korea’s potential future ace. Last year, he won the Rookie of the Year award with 8 wins, 8 losses, and a 3.72 ERA, and was selected for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, where he won a gold medal. Moon Dong-ju started the last game against Taiwan and pitched 6 scoreless innings, contributing greatly to Korea’s victory. He uses a fastball, curve, changeup, and slider that reaches speeds of nearly 160 km/h, and is considered one of the candidates with a high possibility of advancing to the majors. alliances.
Moon Dong-ju has repeatedly expressed his excitement about facing the big league. However, before this match, senior Ryu Hyun-jin gave Moon Dong-ju some meaningful advice. Do not exceed 150 km/h.
Korean professional baseball is scheduled to open its opening game on the 23rd. If Moon Dong-joo gets hurt, it would be a huge loss for Hanwha. In addition, as a clash with a big league that he could only imagine was arranged, Ryu Hyun-jin seemed to have the intention of calming down the potentially excited Moon Dong-ju.
Dong-ju Moon. ⓒ Youth News
However, Moon Dong-joo shockingly broke his promise to Ryu Hyun-jin. From the moment he faced the first batter, Xander Bogaerts, he threw a fastball at 93.8 miles per hour (about 151 km). However, he seemed very nervous and had no control. Dong-Ju Moon allowed walks to Bogaerts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Jake Cronenworth.
Base loaded and no masses. In a desperate situation, Moon Dong-ju struck out Manny Machado and took a breather. And in his match with Jurickson Profar, Dong-ju Moon raised his speed to 96.4 miles per hour (about 155 km) with a ball count of 3-0. The result was a walk, but it was a sight that showed how much Moon Dong-ju had put into the game that day.
So, what was Ryu Hyun-jin’s ‘senior’ reaction when he saw Moon Dong-ju not following his advice? On the 18th, Ryu Hyun-jin said through broadcaster KBSN Sports, “I didn’t see the game live, but I watched the highlight video. He often exceeded 150 km per hour and used his strength,” and said with smile , “I’ll have to bother him once when I come back to the team.”
Hyunjin Ryu. ⓒ Youth News
Ryu Hyun-jin was proud of his junior who threw bravely against a major league team, but he also anticipated nagging. Moon Dong-ju is expected to be offered a class as a ‘one hit coach for the pitcher’ soon.
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