"I'll throw better than I did in the past"

The KT Wiz and the Samsung Lions will hold the opening game of the 2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League at Suwon KT Wiz Park on Sunday. There is a player both teams are paying attention to. He is William Cuevas, KT's starting pitcher.

At the opening media day on Tuesday, Samsung players renewed their commitment, saying, "We have prepared a lot. We will confidently compete." KT also predicted that Cuevas will display better pitching performance.

The bad relationship between Cuevas and Samsung goes back to 2021. On Oct. 28 of that year, Cuevas started the second game of the regular season's doubleheader against the NC Dinos, allowing two runs in seven innings and 108 pitches. After just two days of rest, he took the mound again. He started the tiebreaker against Samsung on Oct. 31 and led the team to a 1-0 win with seven scoreless innings and 99 pitches. KT not only won its first regular season title since its foundation, but also won the combined title that year.

Throughout his five seasons in the KBO league, Cuevas played in 15 games against Samsung with eight wins and two losses and an ERA of 3.10. KT manager Lee Kang-chul did not hesitate to select Cuevas as the starting pitcher for the opening game. Samsung manager Park Jin-man has appointed Connor Seabold.

Samsung is seeking revenge. Captain and key outfielder Koo Ja-wook, who participated as a member of the team's national team on Media Day, opened his mouth first.

Koo Ja-wook said, "Cuevas is a pitcher who throws very well against our team. However, we prepared as much as we did," adding, "I hope the players will play with confidence regardless of the result. If they play without feeling intimidated, I think they can crush even the best pitcher. I think how confident they are will be will be important."

Starting pitcher Won Tae-in plans to cheer for his teammates as much as he can. He started the game as a starter and pitched six innings with one run (non-ERA) and 98 pitches. "I will watch as I hope Connor throws well and hitters hit well. If you lose the first game, the mood may calm down from the start," he said. "Winning the opening game could determine a season. I want to win at least once this time."

KT also cannot back down. "I'll see you in the dugout, not in the game I'm participating in, but I think Cuevas will do well," said Ko Young-pyo, a starting pitcher at the Media Day event. "It has been upgraded since I joined Triple-A team in the minor league under the Los Angeles Dodgers last year. I expect him to display better pitching this time, unlike in the past. I hope he does as he has done."

Cuevas was informed early on that he was the starting pitcher for the opening game. Earlier, he said, "The coach told me in advance. I usually talk to the coach a lot. I was keeping it quiet until the coach revealed it."

When asked if his opponent is Samsung, he replied, "When my opponent is in good condition, I am confident in any team. I don't have much thoughts about any particular team," adding, "I think overall the level of batters in the league has risen a lot. Everyone has built up their bodies well. I think it will be fun, and I am really looking forward to the opening."

Cuevas first wore a KT uniform in 2019. He has renewed his contract every season through 2022. However, he had to leave the team due to elbow injury after two games in 2022. Last season, he was a member of Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers under the Dodgers. After playing in the minor league, Cuevas returned to KT as a substitute for Boschler. This year marks his sixth season with KT.

Connor began his career in the KBO league. Originally from the U.S., he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2017 rookie draft and began his professional career. Since then, he made his Major League debut in 2021 as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Last season, he pitched in 87 ⅓ in 27 games (13 starts) with the Colorado Rockies, recording one win and seven losses with an ERA of 7.52.

Connor, who finished adapting to Samsung, said, "I will do my best to help my team win. Whether I take care of as many wins as possible or play in more games, I will do my best to help my team no matter what."

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