Martin started as the fourth batter as a center fielder in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League away game against Hanwha at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon on the 22nd and hit a come-from-behind final three-run shot in the ninth inning following the first solo shot in the second inning.
He hit two hits and three RBIs in five at-bats with his eighth and ninth home runs of the season. He played as a troubleshooter in the ninth inning with two outs and runners on first and third bases, trailing 4-5. Hanwha closer Park Sang-won’s third pitch did not miss the forkball that was driven to the center and passed it over the right-center fence. NC’s 7-5 come-from-behind shot
After the game, Martin said, “Overall, I was in good shape. The out at-bat was also good, and trying to swing well without missing a mistake led to good results. The power analysis report said that opposing pitcher Park Sang-won throws a lot of forkballs, so he aimed for it. “I hit the top of the strike zone to avoid following the falling forkball,” he said.
Martin, who was expected to be the Triple-A Pacific Coast League home run king (32) last year, played only four games due to fine damage to his abdominal muscles since early April, and Martin, who went to the injured list, began the season on May 9 after a month’s absence. He had been hit hard until early this month, but he has survived with a batting average of .359 (14 hits in 39 at-bats), four home runs and 13 RBIs in the last 10 games.
Martin said, “I think I’ve adapted to the pitching style of Korean pitchers. It is also due to the influence of taking the position of the hand high (when catching the bat), but it is helpful to remain as calm as possible at bat. I had mental difficulties, but I trusted myself and concentrated every moment. “I had a synergy effect by relying on the coaching staff and fellow players who helped me from the side,” he said.
BY: 스포츠토토