Colorado Rockies right-handed pitcher Chris Flexen put the LA Dodgers to sleep.

Flexen started the 2023 Major League Baseball match against the LA Dodgers held at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, USA on the 29th (Korean time). He pitched 6 innings that day, allowing 6 hits, 2 home runs, 2 walks, 3 runs, and striking out 3. He pitched a quality start (he pitched no more than 3 earned runs in 6 innings as a starter) and led Colorado to a 14-5 victory. Flexen recorded 2 wins (8 losses) this season.

Flexen succeeded in holding down the Dodgers’ lineup, which is full of heavy hitters, to the minimum number of runs allowed. Because it is located at an altitude of 1600m above sea level, the ball travels farther. A ball that floats into the outfield often leads to a home run. Flexen also allowed two home runs on this day. However, he remained unwavering and steadfastly maintained the mound. His teammates also took the weight off Flexen’s shoulders by scoring in bulk.

Flexen hit a home run in the first inning. The game started off well by catching leadoff hitter Mookie Betts with a fly ball to center field and Freddie Freeman with a grounder to first base. However, he could not finish the inning as he walked Max Muncy after a 7-pitch battle, and was hit by a two-run shot from JD Martinez that went over the right-center field fence.

He also allowed a home run in the second inning. He struck out Chris Taylor and caught David Peralta on a fly ball to center field, but was hit by Enrique Irnández on a solo shot to left center.

However, Flexen did not concede any more goals. From the 3rd to the 6th inning, the innings were quickly eliminated without any major crisis. While the mound held on without allowing any additional runs, the Colorado lineup also showed off its explosive power by scoring 9 runs until the 4th inning. The Dodgers also raised the white flag early on, excluding key players. After Flexen went down, scores were exchanged, but Colado scored 4 runs in the 7th inning and put a wedge in the game with a big inning.

Flexen is the protagonist of the ‘KBO League reverse export myth’. He caught the eye of American scouts while playing for the Doosan Bears in 2020, and signed a contract with the Seattle Mariners in 2021 and moved to the United States again. In his first year, he made a spectacular return to the big leagues, going 14 wins, 6 losses, and an ERA of 3.61.레모나토토

However, in 2022, he faltered with 8 wins, 9 losses, and an average ERA of 3.73, and in 2023, he slumped to 2 wins, 8 losses, and an average ERA of 6.86. During the season, he was traded from Seattle to the New York Mets. However, the Mets issued Flexen a release notice without even giving him a chance. Then Colorado reached out to Flexen, and he continued his big league career.

Looking back on 2021, Flexen’s current state is not satisfactory. However, he performed well in his last start, leaving room for a contract renewal.