An exhibition game against SSG Landers held at Daejeon Baseball Stadium on the 20th. The Hanwha Eagles fans in the stands must have been a little thrilled to see foreign pitcher Birch Smith (33) throw. In his second start in the demonstration game, he pitched 4⅓ innings, one hit and no runs. In the 5th inning, lead batter Kim Min-sik was struck out and the mound was handed over to Yoon Dae-kyung.
He struck out four with a powerful fastball. He hit the opponent’s batting line close to perfection. He gave up one hit and two walks, with all three runners failing to step on second base.
On this day, Smith pitched 4 innings and pitched 60 pitches. It was the same conditions as in his first appearance. However, he threw 57 pitches until one out in the 5th inning and came down. He has exceeded his goal.
On the 14th, against the KIA Tigers, he gave up 3 hits and 1 run in 4 innings. He pitched well, giving up one hit and no runs through the third inning. He was shaken abruptly in the fourth inning. In the last inning, he even fell to speed. In the game on the 20th, this appearance disappeared.
8⅓ innings in 2 games, 4 hits, 8 strikeouts, 4 balls 3, 1 run, ERA 1.08.
SPOTV commentator Jeong Min-tae,먹튀검증 who watched the game on the 20th, highly praised Smith’s fastball. Commissioner Jeong said, “Usually tall pitchers hit the ball down from above, but Smith brings it all the way. The tip of the ball is very good, so it is difficult for batters to hit.”
1m93,102kg. He is in good physical condition.
He threw close to 60 pitches and maintained steady speed. His fastball recorded a top speed of 154 km/h and an average of 150 km. Commissioner Jeong said, “The rotation of the ball is good, so it will feel faster to the batter.” SSG hitters couldn’t follow Smith’s fastball properly.
He threw four-seam and two-seam as his main weapon, a curveball and a changeup. Commissioner Jeong said, “I think I don’t have to worry about two-seam because my four-seam is so good.”
Smith is the first starting resource acquired by Hanwha at a cost of $1 million. Last year, Hanwha experienced the worst situation in which two foreign players left the team due to injuries at the beginning of the season. It is a dark history that I do not want to look back on. To make another leap forward this year, a foreign ace is definitely needed.
He may even start in the opening game. It’s the Kiwoom Heroes game on April 1st. Ahn Woo-jin is likely to be the opposing starting pitcher.
Manager Carlos Subero left the possibility open, saying, “In the past two years, Kim Min-woo has been to the opening game, but he can go differently this year.” Smith said, “I’m trying to improve my endurance. Personally, I want to throw as a starter in the opening game, but I will follow the team’s decision.”
The opening match selection is a very honorable mission.
“If he continues to throw without injury, he could do well as a first starter.”
This is the evaluation of the KBO career ‘124 wins’ legend.