In the bottom of the ninth inning. Cut to the plate. In the end, it was a hit.

The Doosan Bears cut their fall festivities short for the first time in two years. They finished the regular season in fifth place, earning a wild-card berth, and lost to the NC Dinos 9-14 in the first round.

A short postseason. Still, there were moments that made us hopeful for the future.

In the top of the ninth inning, down 6-14, Doosan had runners on second and third after a walk by Kang Seung-ho and a single by Kim In-tae. Heo Kyung-min then walked and Park Ji-hoon came in to pinch-hit.

Park joined Doosan in the fifth round of the 2020 Rookie Draft (49th overall) and was expected to have a strong attitude, a defense that can play both the infield and outfield, and power that can produce medium- to long-range hits. In particular, 바카라사이트 he is highly valued for his ability to play all positions in the infield.

In 2021, his second year, he appeared in 34 games, batting 3-for-3 with a home run, three RBIs, and three stolen bases.

He then served a stint on active duty and returned this season

He showed improvement in 20 games in the Futures League, batting 3-for-7 with a home run, and earned his first call-up to the big leagues in mid-August, going 2-for-1 in 22 games.

After being a pinch-hitter in fall ball two years ago, he even made it to first base.

At 2B 2S, Park cut down a forkball and a fastball from NC closer Lee Yong-chan. He hit a 7-pitch fastball, which hit the pitcher’s glove and deflected toward the second baseman. He sprinted to first base and was safe. In the meantime, the third baseman reached home. Jung Soo-bin followed with a triple, scoring Park Ji-hoon.

Doosan did not score any more runs and ended the fall baseball with one game.

The third base dugout was in a heavy mood. Park Ji-hoon packed up his things with a disappointed look on his face.

“The game was close, but I gritted my teeth to make sure I didn’t get an easy out because you never know what’s going to happen in baseball until the very end,” he said of his first postseason at-bat. I didn’t want to be the last batter.”

For Doosan, Park is also an essential resource to grow

“If they grow into the main lineup, they will be a strong team,” said Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop, referring to Park along with Park Jun-young at the final camp on March 31. “It depends on the player’s thoughts, efforts and results, but it’s a plus if they are included in the lineup,” he said.

“I want to establish myself as a third baseman or shortstop,” he said. “This season, there were some things I was disappointed with and some things I thought were good,” he said, emphasizing that he will work harder to do better next season.