SEOUL: In the 2024 Korea Baseball Organization postseason, LG Twins’ left-hander Son Ju-young has been showcasing his skills on the mound, delivering outstanding performances that have not only helped his team but also marked his emergence as a formidable pitcher in high-pressure games. After contributing significantly to his team’s first-round victory, Son is geared up for a critical start in the upcoming game against the Samsung Lions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Son’s journey to the postseason has been a testament to his development and resilience. Having joined the Twins seven years ago, this season marks his first appearance in the postseason play. His recent outings have been nothing short of spectacular, striking out seven in 5 1/3 innings in his first game and delivering two hitless innings in the next, earning him the Player of the Game title. With these performances, Son has quickly become a key player for the Twins in their championship aspirations.
During the regular season, Son transitione
d from the bullpen to a starting role, achieving career highs in ERA, wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts. His prowess earned him accolades from Twins manager Youm Kyoung-youb, who highlighted Son’s potential to become one of the top left-handed pitchers in South Korea. Son’s preparation involves meticulous review of his performances, focusing on aspects like spin rates to enhance his confidence and effectiveness on the mound.
Despite the pressure of postseason baseball, Son expressed a sense of exhilaration and focus rather than nervousness. He revealed his mental approach during games, which includes detailed thinking about his mechanics and execution, contrary to the typical advice of keeping the mind clear. This methodical thinking, According to Yonhap News Agency, Son, provides him with the clarity and precision needed during critical moments.
The Twins face a challenging series against the Samsung Lions, with Son scheduled to pitch in the pivotal Game 3. Reflecting on his successful outings against
the Lions earlier in the season, Son is optimistic about replicating his performance and contributing to his team’s success in the postseason.