Kim Kwang-hyun was the ace of SSG Landers.
After two consecutive quality starts and no batting support in his last two games, he snapped a two-game losing streak and completed the team’s sweep.
Kim started the 15th game of the season against Samsung at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 13th, throwing 99 pitches over seven innings, allowing three hits, two walks, and striking out three in a 4-0 victory. Snapped a two-game losing streak with his third consecutive quality start to improve to 7-4 on the season. Extended Samsung’s winning streak to seven games, dating back to June 6, 2018.
Mixed a fastball that topped out at 150 mph with a slider, changeup, and curveball to keep the Samsung lineup, which leads the team in batting average, off-balance in the second half.
A batting lineup that had been helpless in Kim’s last two starts came alive. They scored two runs in the first and second innings. They added runs in the fifth and seventh innings on sacrifice flies and RBI singles by Choo Shin-soo.
The defense also stood out.
In the second inning, Oh Jae-il singled and right fielder Choi Ji-hoon made a clothesline throw to catch Kang Min-ho at second base. In the top of the sixth inning, Kim Dong-jin’s hit-by-pitch was caught in reverse motion by first baseman Oh Tae-gon. Pirela completed the double play to take the pressure off Kim Kwang-hyun’s shoulders. Focused bats. Combined with Kim Kwang-hyun’s perfect pitch, the victory was complete.
SSG coach Kim Won-hyung said before the game, “I was worried about Kim Kwang-hyun because he pitched twice a week. I thought about putting in (Park) Jong-hoon and using him with Oh Won-seok McCarty,” he said. “If he’s okay, I’d like him to go six innings. It will depend on his condition.” The bullpen had been severely depleted in the previous two games against Samsung. Kim Kwang-hyun’s long run was desperately needed. 메이저사이트
As if reading the manager’s mind, Kim pitched seven scoreless innings. “Recently, the team’s batting mood has subsided due to the hot weather, but today, I was able to play comfortably because the batsmen scored the first run in the first inning,” said Kim, who won his first game in 24 days.
After Kim walked Kim Hyun-jun on a full count in the bottom of the sixth inning with a 3-0 lead, Kim squatted on the mound and called for catcher Kim Min-sik. He had thrown 85 pitches. When the umpire worriedly asked Kim how he was doing, he replied, “I’m tired,” drawing laughter.
“I’m getting better and better,” said Kim, who has recorded three consecutive quality starts in August. “The weather has been very hot, but the autumnal equinox has just arrived, and I hope the weather will be cooler in the future.” “I’m personally not satisfied because I haven’t been able to pitch many innings this year. The bullpen has been doing a great job, so we will continue to prioritize long innings and prepare for the season ahead.”
The SSG Landers need to not only consolidate their second place, but also take the lead. The ace is determined.