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| Flexen / Photo by reporter Kwon Kwang-il |
Doosan defeated the Kiwoom Heroes 9-7 in the opener of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League exhibition series at Bears Park in Icheon on the 12th.
Riding the momentum from last season’s 12 million fans and the buzz from the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), the game drew a sellout crowd of 500 fans.
Doosan opened the season on a high note in front of the packed house. Kim Won-hyung, who was appointed Doosan’s manager before the season, picked up a win in his first official game in charge.
Doosan’s starting lineup featured Jung Soo-bin (CF) - Park Chan-ho (SS) - Cameron (RF) - Yang Eui-ji (DH) - Ahn Jae-seok (3B) - Yang Seok-hwan (1B) - Oh Myung-jin (2B) - Kim Dae-han (LF) - Kim Ki-yeon (C).
Flexen, the Bears’ starter, worked 3 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and two walks, striking out eight while allowing no runs.
Flexen threw 73 pitches in total: 50 fastballs, 12 cutters, 9 curveballs, 1 slider and 1 changeup. His fastball topped out at 150 km/h, dipped to 144 km/h, and averaged 147 km/h.
Doosan’s second pitcher, Lee Gyo-hoon, threw 2/3 of an inning, giving up two hits, one walk and one run, and was credited with the win.
After the game, Flexen said, "My early pitch count was high, but I settled in as the innings went on. Overall I was happy with my stuff. Eight strikeouts were encouraging, but I need to work on being more efficient with my pitches."
He added, "Before the game I talked with manager Kim Won-hyung and pitching coach Jung Jae-hoon, and we planned on a 65-pitch limit. Personally I wanted to go four innings, so I’m disappointed I couldn’t reach that."
Finally, Flexen said, "It was great to see the fans again. I could really feel their energy today. I didn't get to pitch in front of a full house in 2020, so I’m looking forward to taking the mound at a packed Jamsil Stadium this season. I hope fans keep cheering us on."
[Sports Today reporter Shin Seo-young sports@stoo.com]
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