Daegu: After pitching just one inning in relief in his postseason debut over the weekend, Hanwha Eagles sophomore Hwang Jun-seo said Tuesday he is ready for bigger responsibilities. Hwang pitched one shutout inning against the Samsung Lions in Game 2 of their second round in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason, striking out a batter as the Eagles' fourth pitcher of a 7-3 loss.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the first overall pick at the 2023 KBO draft, Hwang expressed his excitement about participating in his first postseason game. "Personally, I was hoping to see a different opponent in this round," Hwang said before Game 3 at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the southeastern city of Daegu. "But now that I've pitched against Samsung, it was a lot of fun, and I don't think I will give up any run against them. I was really pleased with the way I pitched in that game."

Hwang, who has alternated between starting and relieving roles this year, is confident in his ability to handle more innings. "I started throwing multiple innings from the start of the season," the 20-year-old said. "So that wouldn't be an issue for me. Personally, I'd love to throw a lot of innings here."

The youthful bullpen also includes the 18-year-old Jeong Woo-joo and the 20-year-old Cho Dong-uk. All three featured in Sunday's game, and Hwang noted how they initially appeared nervous as postseason rookies in the bullpen, but their debut experience has fueled their determination to drive the Eagles further into October and aim for the Korean Series.

The best-of-five series is currently tied at one game each, with the winner set to face the LG Twins in the upcoming Korean Series. "The three of us talk every day about wanting to play in the Korean Series," Hwang said. "The biggest goal now is to win tonight and finish off the series tomorrow."