It sounds like Samsung has added a new foreign pitcher to the mix. Brandon Knight, welcome to the KBO! According to the article, Brandon believes the KBO "is powerful."
Samsung 8, LG 2
W - Yoon Seong-hwan (9-3), L - Seo Seung-hwa (0-1)
This game was all about Yoon Seong-hwan. The Samsung starter tossed a complete game(101 pitches, 74 strikes). Yoon gave up 2 runs on only 5 hits while striking out 6. Yoon was able to cruise after the Samsung offense gave him a 5-run cushion in the 1st inning and tacked on 3 more in the 3rd inning. The Samsung offensive outburst was truly a team effort. 8 different Lions either scored or drove in a run. 1st baseman Chae Tae-in lead the way by going 2-4 with a walk, a solo homer, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored.
SK 15, Seoul Heroes 8
W - Goh Hyo-joon (7-8), L - Bae Him-chan (0-1)
Things got more than a little chippy in this game. In the middle innings the two teams exchanged hit batsmen. SK's Park Jae-sang was drilled in the 6th inning. SK appeared to retaliate by drilling Heroes 3rd baseman Hwang Jae-gyun. Hwang made a half-assed attempt to charge the mound and was quickly corralled by the catcher after chucking his helmet into foul territory. This nonsense came to an end when the Heroes retaliated for the retaliation by drilling SK shortstop Na Ju-hwan in the top of the 7th. Na ran towards the mound for about 4 steps, stopped, said some bad words and waited for the benches to clear. Hwang took offense to Na's advances and had to be restrained by more than a few teammates. The pitcher was tossed and the Heroes manager stayed out on the field to argue for about 10 minutes. All in all, it was tame compared to the fan brawl at the Lotte/Hanhwa game this month.
It was a rough day to be a Heroes or Wyverns pitcher. It seemed like everyone who wasn't ejected got pummelled. SK 2nd baseman and lead off hitter Jeong Geun-woo led the way for the Wyverns. Jeong finished the game 3-5 with a walk, a double, 2 stolen bases, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored. Choi Jeong was moved up to 3rd in the batting order for the Wyverns and he hit a pair of solo homers in garbage time. Doug Clark continued to be Mr. Everything for the Heroes. Clark lead off for the Heroes and went 2-3 with a double, a homer, 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored.
Doosan 2, Hanhwa 1
W - Kim Sun-woo (7-7), L - Ryu Hyeon-jin (8-9), S - Lee Yong-chan (20)
The broadcast company actually tried to make this one a little special. They gave Kim and Ryu a pre-game highlight video with music. Progress! Kim Sun-woo turned in his finest start of the season. Kim tossed 5 2/3 innings(92 pitches, 55 strikes) of 1-run baseball. Kim gave up only 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5. 4 Doosan relievers shut the Eagles down for 3 2/3 innings. They gave up exactly 1 hit and 1 walk. That's it. The Doosan bullpen turned late inning rallies into futile enterprises. Ryu Hyeon-jin pitched his guts out, but the Hanhwa O couldn't get anything going. Ryu tossed 7 innings(125 pitches, 83 strikes) of 2-run baseball. Ryu gave up 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 14(!). The only Doosan runs in this game came on a pair of solo homers from 3rd baseman Kim Dong-ju and shortstop Son Si-hyeon in the 4th inning.
KIA 7, Lotte 5
W - Son Yeong-min (3-1), L - Jon Adkins (3-3), S - Yoo Dong-hoon (8)
Lotte battled back from a 5-1 deficit, only to lose the game in the 9th inning. KIA rallied for 5 runs in the top of the 3rd inning. The rally was capped by a 3-run bomb off the bat of 3rd baseman Kim Sang-hyeon. Lotte battled back with a 3-run rally in the bottom of the 3rd. Lotte tied the game in the in the bottom of the 5th on a Karim Garcia sac fly. Lotte 2nd baseman Cho Seong-hwan was a catalyst for the Giants offense. Cho went 2-3 with a walk, a double and 3 runs scored. The score would remain tied until the top of the 9th inning. With one out and a runner on 1st base, KIA catcher Kim Sang-hoon clubbed a Jon Adkins offering over the left field fence for a 2-run homer. KIA closer tossed a 1-2-3 bottom of the 9th to earn the save.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
7/29 Roundup and News
Lotte 14, KIA 3
W - Son Min-han (6-2), L - Yang Hyeon-jong (6-5)
Lotte got some measure of revenge for Tuesday night's drubbing. Son Min-han's ghost managed to toss 6 innings(72 pitches, 42 strikes) of shutout baseball. He gave up only 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 1. Lotte utility player Jeong Bo-myeong lead the Lotte offense with 4 RBIs. Jeong finished 2-4 with a walk and double. Outfielder Lee Seung-hwa came off the bench and drove in 3 runs. 2nd baseman Cho Seong-hwan,right fielder Karim Garcia and catcher Jang Seong-ho all drove in 2 RBIs for the Giants. It would have been easier to write about the Giants that DIDN'T have a big game on Wednesday night.
Hanhwa 7, Doosan 3
W - Yoo Won-sang (5-7), L - Lim Tae-hoon (10-3)
Hanhwa starter Yoo Won-sang got off to a rocky start, but settled down and turned in a quality start. Yoo gave up 3 runs in the first inning, but was able to keep the Doosan offense off the scoreboard for the next 6 innings. Yoo needed 114 pitches(68 strikes) to throw 7 innings. Yoo gave up 6 hits and 4 walks while striking out 8. Doosan had a 3-2 lead in the 6th inning, but Hanhwa struck for a 4-run rally and didn't look back. With two outs and the bases loaded, Lim Tae-hoon threw a pickoff throw into centerfield. The tying run was able to score. Then, Hanhwa 3rd baseman Lee Beom-ho doubled off the wall in center field to score the go ahead run. After walking Kim Tae-gyun to load the bases, 1st baseman Lee Yeong-woo doubled off the right field wall to bust the game wide open.
SK 6, Seoul Heroes 4
W - Jeon Byeong-doo (5-3), L - Shin Cheol-in (2-2), S - Goh Hyo-joon (2)
SK starter Gary Glover had a rough start. The Glove only gave up 4 runs during his 6 2/3 innings(109 pitches, 65 strikes) of work, but they all came on solo homers. Doug Clark and Lee Taek-geun both hit a pair of solo homers off of Glover. Heroes starter Kim Su-kyeong was solid during his 6 1/3 innings(117 pitches, 66 strikes) of work. He gave up 6 hits and 4 walks while striking out 5. Facing a 4-2 deficit in the 8th inning, the SK offense mounted a rally. SK 1st baseman Lee Ho-joon lead off the inning with a solo homer to make the score 4-3. After a double by Park Jae-hong, SK catcher Jeong Sang-ho delivered a homer to give SK 5-4 lead. SK would add an "Efff-you" run in the 9th inning thanks to an RBI single from Lee Ho-joon and a mad dash from 2nd to home by Jeong Geun-woo. With the bases empty and 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th, Goh Hyo-joon recorded the final out to earn a vulture save.
LG 6, Samsung 5
W - Jeong Chan-heon (6-4), L - Choi Won-je(3-1) , S - Lee Jae-yeong(8)
This game...I'm not sure where to start. The two teams traded leads until they decided they wanted to make it out of the ballpark before 10 o'clock and stopped scoring after the 6th inning. With the game tied at 5 in the bottom of the 6th, LG put a runner on 3rd with 2 outs. Mr. Arson, Bae Yong-su, came in to, erm, well...I'd say keep the Twins off the scoreboard, but everyone at the hof I was at new he was going to allow the run to score. I guess Bae came in to give LG the lead. That sounds right. LG 3rd baseman Jeong Sang-hoon bunted the ball down the 3rd baseline. Bae tried to field the ball, but couldn't find the handle. The go-ahead run scored and the Jeong was safe at 1st. Roberto Petagine hit a 3-run homer in the 1st inning and finished 1-3 with 4 RBIs. Samsung's Yang Joon-hyeok went 3-4 with 3 RBIs. Nothing else really happened in this game. Just a "meh" ballgame all around.
W - Son Min-han (6-2), L - Yang Hyeon-jong (6-5)
Lotte got some measure of revenge for Tuesday night's drubbing. Son Min-han's ghost managed to toss 6 innings(72 pitches, 42 strikes) of shutout baseball. He gave up only 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 1. Lotte utility player Jeong Bo-myeong lead the Lotte offense with 4 RBIs. Jeong finished 2-4 with a walk and double. Outfielder Lee Seung-hwa came off the bench and drove in 3 runs. 2nd baseman Cho Seong-hwan,right fielder Karim Garcia and catcher Jang Seong-ho all drove in 2 RBIs for the Giants. It would have been easier to write about the Giants that DIDN'T have a big game on Wednesday night.
Hanhwa 7, Doosan 3
W - Yoo Won-sang (5-7), L - Lim Tae-hoon (10-3)
Hanhwa starter Yoo Won-sang got off to a rocky start, but settled down and turned in a quality start. Yoo gave up 3 runs in the first inning, but was able to keep the Doosan offense off the scoreboard for the next 6 innings. Yoo needed 114 pitches(68 strikes) to throw 7 innings. Yoo gave up 6 hits and 4 walks while striking out 8. Doosan had a 3-2 lead in the 6th inning, but Hanhwa struck for a 4-run rally and didn't look back. With two outs and the bases loaded, Lim Tae-hoon threw a pickoff throw into centerfield. The tying run was able to score. Then, Hanhwa 3rd baseman Lee Beom-ho doubled off the wall in center field to score the go ahead run. After walking Kim Tae-gyun to load the bases, 1st baseman Lee Yeong-woo doubled off the right field wall to bust the game wide open.
SK 6, Seoul Heroes 4
W - Jeon Byeong-doo (5-3), L - Shin Cheol-in (2-2), S - Goh Hyo-joon (2)
SK starter Gary Glover had a rough start. The Glove only gave up 4 runs during his 6 2/3 innings(109 pitches, 65 strikes) of work, but they all came on solo homers. Doug Clark and Lee Taek-geun both hit a pair of solo homers off of Glover. Heroes starter Kim Su-kyeong was solid during his 6 1/3 innings(117 pitches, 66 strikes) of work. He gave up 6 hits and 4 walks while striking out 5. Facing a 4-2 deficit in the 8th inning, the SK offense mounted a rally. SK 1st baseman Lee Ho-joon lead off the inning with a solo homer to make the score 4-3. After a double by Park Jae-hong, SK catcher Jeong Sang-ho delivered a homer to give SK 5-4 lead. SK would add an "Efff-you" run in the 9th inning thanks to an RBI single from Lee Ho-joon and a mad dash from 2nd to home by Jeong Geun-woo. With the bases empty and 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th, Goh Hyo-joon recorded the final out to earn a vulture save.
LG 6, Samsung 5
W - Jeong Chan-heon (6-4), L - Choi Won-je(3-1) , S - Lee Jae-yeong(8)
This game...I'm not sure where to start. The two teams traded leads until they decided they wanted to make it out of the ballpark before 10 o'clock and stopped scoring after the 6th inning. With the game tied at 5 in the bottom of the 6th, LG put a runner on 3rd with 2 outs. Mr. Arson, Bae Yong-su, came in to, erm, well...I'd say keep the Twins off the scoreboard, but everyone at the hof I was at new he was going to allow the run to score. I guess Bae came in to give LG the lead. That sounds right. LG 3rd baseman Jeong Sang-hoon bunted the ball down the 3rd baseline. Bae tried to field the ball, but couldn't find the handle. The go-ahead run scored and the Jeong was safe at 1st. Roberto Petagine hit a 3-run homer in the 1st inning and finished 1-3 with 4 RBIs. Samsung's Yang Joon-hyeok went 3-4 with 3 RBIs. Nothing else really happened in this game. Just a "meh" ballgame all around.
7/28 Roundup and News
LG 9, Samsung 8
W - Ryu Taek-hyeon (3-0), L - Kwon Hyeok (5-5)
This game made me want to punch a puppy. I actually turned this game off because Samsung had a 6-2 lead in the 5th inning. When I saw the sports dailies on Wednesday morning at the neighborhood convience store I thought I had pulled a Rip Van Winkle and slept for 36 hours. Did I miss a game? No. I missed the Samsung bullpen looking absolutely awful. The 9th inning of this game was absurd. Samsung right fielder Choi Hyeong-woo hit a 2-run bomb to give Samsung an 8-6 advantage. The blast was Choi's 2nd of the game. Choi finished 3-5 with 2 homers, 5 RBIs and 2 runs scored. In the bottom of the 9th, this game got ugly. With two outs, Roberto Petagine singled and advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch. Pinch hitter Park Byeong-ho singled to left to score a pinch runner from 2nd and make the score 8-7. Samsung turned to reliever Kwon Hyeok to nail down the final out. With a full count, Kwon served up a meatball to 1st baseman Choi Dong-su and Choi hit it over the fence for a walk-off 2-run homer. Excuse me while I wash my mouth out with vomit.
Seoul Heroes 3, SK 2
W - Ma Il-yeong (4-7), L - Jeong Dae-hyeon (1-3)
SK wasted a solid effort from ace Kim Kwang-hyeon. Kim threw 7 2/3 innings(111 pitches, 65 strikes) of 2-run baseball. Kim allowed only 5 hits and 3 walks while striking out 5. Heroes started Lee Hyeon-seung kept the Heroes in the game for 5 1/3 innings and the Heroes bullpen used 3 relievers to throw 3 2/3 shutout innings. The SK offense couldn't generate much offense off of the Heroes pitching staff and the SK bullpen turned a tied game into a deficit. With the score tied at 2 in the bottom of the 9th, Heroes right fielder Song Ji-man lead off the inning with a bunt single and advanced on a throwing error by SK 3rd baseman Choi Jeong. Song was pulled for pinch runner Jeong Su-seong. After a failed bunt attempt by shortstop Kang Jeong-ho, SK intentionally walked 1st baseman Lee Sung-yong to bring pinch hitter Kim Min-woo to the plate. Kim poked a single through the left side to score Jeong and walk off the Wyverns.
Doosan 7, Hanhwa 2
W - CJ Nitkowski (1-4), L - Eric Junge (0-2)
Welcome to the win column CJ! Nitkowski tossed 5 1/3 innings(86 pitches, 54 strikes) of 1-run baseball. CJ gave up 4 hits, 1 walk and 1 hit batsman while striking out 2. The Doosan offense chipped away at Eric Junge by scoring 1 run in 4 different innings off of the foreign starter. Doosan DH Choi Joon-seok lead the way for the Doosan offense by going 3-5 with a solo homer, 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. Doosan 1st baseman Lee Won-seok also went 3-5 with a solo homer.
KIA 12, Lotte 2 (8)
W - Aquilino Lopez (9-3), L - Song Seung-joon (9-5)
Lotte starter Song Seung-joon has officially cooled off. Song was chased from the game after only 2 2/3 innings. Song surrendered 9 runs on 7 hits, 3 walks and 1 hit batsman. I warned that he was due for a correction. Guys like Song don't keep throwing shutouts. These lat few starts have been the correction. KIA starter Aquilino Lopez has emerged as an ace for KIA. Lopez threw 6 innings(71 pitches, 50 strikes) of 2-run baseball. Lopez gave up only 3 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 2. KIA center fielder Lee Yong-gyu lead the way with a 3-5 with a double, 4 RBIs and 1 run scored. DH Jeong Seong-ho finished 2-5 with a homer, 3 RBIs and 1 run scored. 1st baseman Choi Hee-seop chipped in by going 2-5 with a solo homer and 2 runs scored.
W - Ryu Taek-hyeon (3-0), L - Kwon Hyeok (5-5)
This game made me want to punch a puppy. I actually turned this game off because Samsung had a 6-2 lead in the 5th inning. When I saw the sports dailies on Wednesday morning at the neighborhood convience store I thought I had pulled a Rip Van Winkle and slept for 36 hours. Did I miss a game? No. I missed the Samsung bullpen looking absolutely awful. The 9th inning of this game was absurd. Samsung right fielder Choi Hyeong-woo hit a 2-run bomb to give Samsung an 8-6 advantage. The blast was Choi's 2nd of the game. Choi finished 3-5 with 2 homers, 5 RBIs and 2 runs scored. In the bottom of the 9th, this game got ugly. With two outs, Roberto Petagine singled and advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch. Pinch hitter Park Byeong-ho singled to left to score a pinch runner from 2nd and make the score 8-7. Samsung turned to reliever Kwon Hyeok to nail down the final out. With a full count, Kwon served up a meatball to 1st baseman Choi Dong-su and Choi hit it over the fence for a walk-off 2-run homer. Excuse me while I wash my mouth out with vomit.
Seoul Heroes 3, SK 2
W - Ma Il-yeong (4-7), L - Jeong Dae-hyeon (1-3)
SK wasted a solid effort from ace Kim Kwang-hyeon. Kim threw 7 2/3 innings(111 pitches, 65 strikes) of 2-run baseball. Kim allowed only 5 hits and 3 walks while striking out 5. Heroes started Lee Hyeon-seung kept the Heroes in the game for 5 1/3 innings and the Heroes bullpen used 3 relievers to throw 3 2/3 shutout innings. The SK offense couldn't generate much offense off of the Heroes pitching staff and the SK bullpen turned a tied game into a deficit. With the score tied at 2 in the bottom of the 9th, Heroes right fielder Song Ji-man lead off the inning with a bunt single and advanced on a throwing error by SK 3rd baseman Choi Jeong. Song was pulled for pinch runner Jeong Su-seong. After a failed bunt attempt by shortstop Kang Jeong-ho, SK intentionally walked 1st baseman Lee Sung-yong to bring pinch hitter Kim Min-woo to the plate. Kim poked a single through the left side to score Jeong and walk off the Wyverns.
Doosan 7, Hanhwa 2
W - CJ Nitkowski (1-4), L - Eric Junge (0-2)
Welcome to the win column CJ! Nitkowski tossed 5 1/3 innings(86 pitches, 54 strikes) of 1-run baseball. CJ gave up 4 hits, 1 walk and 1 hit batsman while striking out 2. The Doosan offense chipped away at Eric Junge by scoring 1 run in 4 different innings off of the foreign starter. Doosan DH Choi Joon-seok lead the way for the Doosan offense by going 3-5 with a solo homer, 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. Doosan 1st baseman Lee Won-seok also went 3-5 with a solo homer.
KIA 12, Lotte 2 (8)
W - Aquilino Lopez (9-3), L - Song Seung-joon (9-5)
Lotte starter Song Seung-joon has officially cooled off. Song was chased from the game after only 2 2/3 innings. Song surrendered 9 runs on 7 hits, 3 walks and 1 hit batsman. I warned that he was due for a correction. Guys like Song don't keep throwing shutouts. These lat few starts have been the correction. KIA starter Aquilino Lopez has emerged as an ace for KIA. Lopez threw 6 innings(71 pitches, 50 strikes) of 2-run baseball. Lopez gave up only 3 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 2. KIA center fielder Lee Yong-gyu lead the way with a 3-5 with a double, 4 RBIs and 1 run scored. DH Jeong Seong-ho finished 2-5 with a homer, 3 RBIs and 1 run scored. 1st baseman Choi Hee-seop chipped in by going 2-5 with a solo homer and 2 runs scored.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Rick Bauer We Hardly Knew Ye...
LG has replaced foreign pinata Rick Bauer with another foreign arm. Jeremy Johnson, welcome to the KBO! Bauer leaves the KBO with a 7.90 ERA and 1.79 WHIP in 27 1/3 innings pitched. Good-bye, Rick. The hitters of the KBO will miss you!
Random Acts of Kindness and the All-Star Game
Every year I want to do a special post for the all-star game and every year I'm disappointed by it. Instead of actually giving it a write up, I'm going to link to the few local news stories and write about a real "All-star." You can read about the all-star game here and here.
I met Mr. Lim at his coffee shop near exit 1 of the Jukjeon stop on Daegu's green line. I noticed that he had a row of autographed baseballs on the wall and started asking about them. In Korean he told me, "Let me make the coffee first, then we can talk." After giving me my latte, we discussed each baseball on his wall. How he met the players and where he got the balls from. Most of them, believe it or not, were friends from school. Mr. Lim played baseball in middle school and high school and met most of the modern day KBO stars that way. He asked me who my favorite player was. I told him, "Oh Seung-hwan." He made a phone call and ran out the door. He came back 2 minutes later with a baseball with Oh Seung-hwan's signature on it and told me I could keep it. I was floored. I realize that in my advancing age, it's silly to have hangups about ballplayers. Especially those in the KBO. I'm creeping towards middle age. I shouldn't be impressed by grown men that play games for a living, but I still am. Something about that ball triggered feelings from my youth. The same feelings that were triggered when my dad came home with a Ryne Sandberg autograph after selling Ryno a Mercedes.
Mr. Lim didn't have to give me anything and I still can't believe he did just gave me an auto'd ball like that, but it totally made my day. I skipped all the way to the subway and all the way home after I finished my coffee. I'm still not sure what to make of it. I've got to get this guy a gift when I visit my hometown next month. I'm not sure what to give him. He's grown up around baseball. I doubt he'd be as impressed as I was with a auto'd ball. I think this calls for the Disco Choo bobblehead doll.
I met Mr. Lim at his coffee shop near exit 1 of the Jukjeon stop on Daegu's green line. I noticed that he had a row of autographed baseballs on the wall and started asking about them. In Korean he told me, "Let me make the coffee first, then we can talk." After giving me my latte, we discussed each baseball on his wall. How he met the players and where he got the balls from. Most of them, believe it or not, were friends from school. Mr. Lim played baseball in middle school and high school and met most of the modern day KBO stars that way. He asked me who my favorite player was. I told him, "Oh Seung-hwan." He made a phone call and ran out the door. He came back 2 minutes later with a baseball with Oh Seung-hwan's signature on it and told me I could keep it. I was floored. I realize that in my advancing age, it's silly to have hangups about ballplayers. Especially those in the KBO. I'm creeping towards middle age. I shouldn't be impressed by grown men that play games for a living, but I still am. Something about that ball triggered feelings from my youth. The same feelings that were triggered when my dad came home with a Ryne Sandberg autograph after selling Ryno a Mercedes.
Mr. Lim didn't have to give me anything and I still can't believe he did just gave me an auto'd ball like that, but it totally made my day. I skipped all the way to the subway and all the way home after I finished my coffee. I'm still not sure what to make of it. I've got to get this guy a gift when I visit my hometown next month. I'm not sure what to give him. He's grown up around baseball. I doubt he'd be as impressed as I was with a auto'd ball. I think this calls for the Disco Choo bobblehead doll.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
7/23 Roundup and News
Lotte 6, Doosan 4
W - Cho Jeong-hoon (9-6), L - Juan Cedeno (2-3), S - Jon Adkins (18)
This game sounds more exciting than it really was. Lotte rallied for 6(!) runs in the 3rd inning and that was all the Lotte offense could produce. Lotte 2nd baseman Cho Seong-hwan delivered a 2-RBI double and 1st baseman Lee Dae-ho clubbed a 2-run homer during the fateful 6th. Doosan was able to chip away, but the Bears ran out of outs before they could seriously challenge for the lead. Lotte starter Cho Jeong-hoon turned in a solid effort. Cho allowed only 2 runs during his 6 innings(81 pitches, 51 strikes) of work. Cho surrendered only 5 hits and 1 walk while striking out 4.
Samsung 7, Seoul Heroes 5 (10)
W - Kwon Hyeok (5-4), L - Lee Bo-geun (6-5)
The Heroes held a 5-3 lead in the top of the 9th inning, but Samsung mounted a rally. Samsung 2nd baseman Shin Myeon-cheol lead off the inning. Shin took the first pitch over the center field wall for a solo homer and made the score 5-4. The next batter, outfielder Park Han-yi, roped a line drive down the left field line for a double. After advancing to 3rd on an infield single, Park was thrown out at home on a ground ball to third for the first out of the inning. With one out and runners on 1st and 2nd, Lee Yong-wook managed to poke a basehit through the right side to score the runner from 2nd and tie the game at 5. Samsung loaded the bases with one out, but 1st baseman Kang Bong-gyu grounded into a 5-2-3 double play to end the inning. Samsung kept the Heroes off the scoreboard in the bottom of the 9th, so it was on to extras. In the top of the 10th, with a runner on 1st with one out, Shin Myeong-cheol delivered his 2nd homer of the game to give Samsung a 7-5 lead. Kwon Hyeok tossed a scoreless 10th to earn the W.
SK 5, Hanhwa 2
W - Song Eun-beom (11-2), L - Ryu Hyeon-jin (8-8), S - Goh Hyo-joon (1)
Ryu Hyeon-jin didn't pitch that badly, he just ran out of gas. Ryu tossed 7 1/3 innings(109 pitches, 72 strikes) and gave up all 5 SK runs. The Hanhwa ace allowed 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 3. Ryu ran into some trouble in the 8th inning and was pulled after most of the damage had been inflicted. SK starter Song Eun-beom didn't get much run support, but the Hanhwa offense was happy to help him out when he did get into trouble. Song tossed 7 innings(83 pitches, 54 strikes) of 1-run baseball. Song allowed only 6 hits while striking out 1. The difference on the scoreboard proved to be a home run from an unlikely source. With a runner on 2nd in the 5th inning, SK 2nd baseman Jeong Geun-woo connected for a 2-run homer. Jeong's blast gave SK a 3-0 advantage and that would prove to be enough of an advantage against Hanhwa. Afte Lee Seung-ho and Ken Kadokura were unable to record an out in the 9th inning, SK turned to Goh Hyo-joon to nail down the W. Goh simply struck out the side in 15 pitches(10 strikes).
KIA 4, LG 0
W - Aquilino Lopez (8-3), L - Shim Su-chang (6-10)
The story here was Senor Smoke. Aquilino Lopez tossed 8 innings(114 pitches, 71 strikes) of shutout baseball. Lopez allowed only 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6. KIA pitcher Seo Jae-wong tossed a scoreless 9th. I guess Seo is going to stay in the bullpen for a while. I get the impression that Seo may or may not be the next guy in line for the KIA closer job. Should Seo get a chance, he'd be the 4th pitcher used in a closing role. KIA 3rd baseman Kim Sang-hyeon lead the charge for the Tigers at the plate. Kim went 2-4 with a homer, 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. Kim hit a solo homer in the 2nd inning to put the Tigers on the scoreboard. His blast would be the only run the Tigers would need.
W - Cho Jeong-hoon (9-6), L - Juan Cedeno (2-3), S - Jon Adkins (18)
This game sounds more exciting than it really was. Lotte rallied for 6(!) runs in the 3rd inning and that was all the Lotte offense could produce. Lotte 2nd baseman Cho Seong-hwan delivered a 2-RBI double and 1st baseman Lee Dae-ho clubbed a 2-run homer during the fateful 6th. Doosan was able to chip away, but the Bears ran out of outs before they could seriously challenge for the lead. Lotte starter Cho Jeong-hoon turned in a solid effort. Cho allowed only 2 runs during his 6 innings(81 pitches, 51 strikes) of work. Cho surrendered only 5 hits and 1 walk while striking out 4.
Samsung 7, Seoul Heroes 5 (10)
W - Kwon Hyeok (5-4), L - Lee Bo-geun (6-5)
The Heroes held a 5-3 lead in the top of the 9th inning, but Samsung mounted a rally. Samsung 2nd baseman Shin Myeon-cheol lead off the inning. Shin took the first pitch over the center field wall for a solo homer and made the score 5-4. The next batter, outfielder Park Han-yi, roped a line drive down the left field line for a double. After advancing to 3rd on an infield single, Park was thrown out at home on a ground ball to third for the first out of the inning. With one out and runners on 1st and 2nd, Lee Yong-wook managed to poke a basehit through the right side to score the runner from 2nd and tie the game at 5. Samsung loaded the bases with one out, but 1st baseman Kang Bong-gyu grounded into a 5-2-3 double play to end the inning. Samsung kept the Heroes off the scoreboard in the bottom of the 9th, so it was on to extras. In the top of the 10th, with a runner on 1st with one out, Shin Myeong-cheol delivered his 2nd homer of the game to give Samsung a 7-5 lead. Kwon Hyeok tossed a scoreless 10th to earn the W.
SK 5, Hanhwa 2
W - Song Eun-beom (11-2), L - Ryu Hyeon-jin (8-8), S - Goh Hyo-joon (1)
Ryu Hyeon-jin didn't pitch that badly, he just ran out of gas. Ryu tossed 7 1/3 innings(109 pitches, 72 strikes) and gave up all 5 SK runs. The Hanhwa ace allowed 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 3. Ryu ran into some trouble in the 8th inning and was pulled after most of the damage had been inflicted. SK starter Song Eun-beom didn't get much run support, but the Hanhwa offense was happy to help him out when he did get into trouble. Song tossed 7 innings(83 pitches, 54 strikes) of 1-run baseball. Song allowed only 6 hits while striking out 1. The difference on the scoreboard proved to be a home run from an unlikely source. With a runner on 2nd in the 5th inning, SK 2nd baseman Jeong Geun-woo connected for a 2-run homer. Jeong's blast gave SK a 3-0 advantage and that would prove to be enough of an advantage against Hanhwa. Afte Lee Seung-ho and Ken Kadokura were unable to record an out in the 9th inning, SK turned to Goh Hyo-joon to nail down the W. Goh simply struck out the side in 15 pitches(10 strikes).
KIA 4, LG 0
W - Aquilino Lopez (8-3), L - Shim Su-chang (6-10)
The story here was Senor Smoke. Aquilino Lopez tossed 8 innings(114 pitches, 71 strikes) of shutout baseball. Lopez allowed only 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6. KIA pitcher Seo Jae-wong tossed a scoreless 9th. I guess Seo is going to stay in the bullpen for a while. I get the impression that Seo may or may not be the next guy in line for the KIA closer job. Should Seo get a chance, he'd be the 4th pitcher used in a closing role. KIA 3rd baseman Kim Sang-hyeon lead the charge for the Tigers at the plate. Kim went 2-4 with a homer, 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. Kim hit a solo homer in the 2nd inning to put the Tigers on the scoreboard. His blast would be the only run the Tigers would need.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
7/22 Roundup and News
Doosan 10, Lotte 3
W - Hong Sang-sam (8-2), L - Song Seung-joon (9-4)
This is the Song Seung-joon(4.03 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) that I'm used to and the Hong Sang-sam(3.91 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) that I'm used to. Song was due for a correction. There was no way he was going to keep throwing shutouts. Song was fairly ineffective during his 3 innings(60 pitches, 32 strikes) of work last night. He gave up 9(!) runs on 6 hits and 4 walks. Only 2 of the hits he gave up stayed in the ballpark. Doosan clubbed 4 homers off of Song. Doosan left fielder Kim Hyeon-su(.352/.444/.590) put the game out of reach in the 2nd inning with a grand slam. Doosan right fielder Lim Jae-cheol(.302/.422/.401) also enjoyed a solid day at the plate. Lim finished 2-4 with a homer, 3 RBIs and 1 run scored. Lim drilled a 2-run bomb in the 3rd inning. On the mound for the Bears, the same lucky Hong Sang-sam showed up for Doosan. Hong gave up only 1 run during his 5 innings(84 pitches, 49 strikes) or work. He scattered 6 hits and gave up 4 walks while striking out 4.
Seoul Heroes 10, Samsung 3
W - Lee Hyeon-seung (11-6), L - Bae Yong-su (1-9), S - Shin Cheol-in (6)
Lee Hyeon-seung(3.15 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) pitched well enough to earn a W and the Samsung pitching staff let this game get out of hand. Lee threw 6 2/3 innings(122 pitches, 79 strikes) of 3-run ball. Lee gave up 9 hits and 2 walks while striking out 9. After Samsung starter Lee Woo-seon(4.81 ERA, 1.63 WHIP) was chased in the 4th inning, Samsung turned to the arson squad. Bae Yong-su(6.08 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) and Kim Sang-su(7.49 ERA, 2.08 WHIP) were absolutely battered by the Heroes offense. 3rd baseman Hwang Jae-gyun(.292/.347/.497), DH Cliff Brumbaugh(.258/.391/.556) and catcher Yoo Seon-jeong(.214/.389/.429 in 14 AB's) all homered for the Heroes.
SK 7, Hanhwa 2
W - Kim Kwang-hyeon (12-2), L - Eric Junge (0-1)
Kim Kwang-hyeon(2.59 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) turned in an excellent effort last night. Kim threw 8 innings(100 pitches, 69 pitches) of 1-run baseball. He allowed only 4 hits, 1 walk and 1 hit batsman while striking out 4. Kim was able to cruise because the Wyverns gave him a huge early lead. SK rallied for 5 runs in the first inning. The early knockout punch came on a 3-run homer by 1st baseman Lee Ho-joon(.295/.367/.519). With Kim on the mound, the ballgame was essentially over. One of the lone bright spots for the Eagles was DH Kim Tae-gyun(.337/.399/.601). Kim was the only one to have any success against SK pitching last night. Kim finished 3-4 with a solo homer, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored.
KIA 2, LG 1
W - Yoo Dong-hoon (5-2), L - Jeong Chan-heon (5-4)
Rick Guttormson(3.04 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) enjoyed a solid effort, but was stuck with an ND because he didn't get any run support. Guttormson tossed 8 innings(112 pitches, 70 strikes) of 1-run ball. He gave up only 5 hits, 3 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 3. LG starter Kim Kwang-su(5.43 ERA, 1.73 WHIP) worked 5 2/3 solid innings(98 pitches, 61 strikes) of 1-run baseball. Kim allowed only 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 5. With the score tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 9th, KIA mounted a rally. With two outs and the bases empty, KIA 2nd baseman Ahn Chi-hong(.239/.297/.431) ripped a line drive into right/center. Ahn managed to slide in safely at third. LG reliever Jeong Chan-heon(5.59 ERA, 1.52 WHIP) threw a 57 ft. curve ball that got away from the catcher. Ahn was able to scamper across home plate for a walk off wild pitch.
W - Hong Sang-sam (8-2), L - Song Seung-joon (9-4)
This is the Song Seung-joon(4.03 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) that I'm used to and the Hong Sang-sam(3.91 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) that I'm used to. Song was due for a correction. There was no way he was going to keep throwing shutouts. Song was fairly ineffective during his 3 innings(60 pitches, 32 strikes) of work last night. He gave up 9(!) runs on 6 hits and 4 walks. Only 2 of the hits he gave up stayed in the ballpark. Doosan clubbed 4 homers off of Song. Doosan left fielder Kim Hyeon-su(.352/.444/.590) put the game out of reach in the 2nd inning with a grand slam. Doosan right fielder Lim Jae-cheol(.302/.422/.401) also enjoyed a solid day at the plate. Lim finished 2-4 with a homer, 3 RBIs and 1 run scored. Lim drilled a 2-run bomb in the 3rd inning. On the mound for the Bears, the same lucky Hong Sang-sam showed up for Doosan. Hong gave up only 1 run during his 5 innings(84 pitches, 49 strikes) or work. He scattered 6 hits and gave up 4 walks while striking out 4.
Seoul Heroes 10, Samsung 3
W - Lee Hyeon-seung (11-6), L - Bae Yong-su (1-9), S - Shin Cheol-in (6)
Lee Hyeon-seung(3.15 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) pitched well enough to earn a W and the Samsung pitching staff let this game get out of hand. Lee threw 6 2/3 innings(122 pitches, 79 strikes) of 3-run ball. Lee gave up 9 hits and 2 walks while striking out 9. After Samsung starter Lee Woo-seon(4.81 ERA, 1.63 WHIP) was chased in the 4th inning, Samsung turned to the arson squad. Bae Yong-su(6.08 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) and Kim Sang-su(7.49 ERA, 2.08 WHIP) were absolutely battered by the Heroes offense. 3rd baseman Hwang Jae-gyun(.292/.347/.497), DH Cliff Brumbaugh(.258/.391/.556) and catcher Yoo Seon-jeong(.214/.389/.429 in 14 AB's) all homered for the Heroes.
SK 7, Hanhwa 2
W - Kim Kwang-hyeon (12-2), L - Eric Junge (0-1)
Kim Kwang-hyeon(2.59 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) turned in an excellent effort last night. Kim threw 8 innings(100 pitches, 69 pitches) of 1-run baseball. He allowed only 4 hits, 1 walk and 1 hit batsman while striking out 4. Kim was able to cruise because the Wyverns gave him a huge early lead. SK rallied for 5 runs in the first inning. The early knockout punch came on a 3-run homer by 1st baseman Lee Ho-joon(.295/.367/.519). With Kim on the mound, the ballgame was essentially over. One of the lone bright spots for the Eagles was DH Kim Tae-gyun(.337/.399/.601). Kim was the only one to have any success against SK pitching last night. Kim finished 3-4 with a solo homer, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored.
KIA 2, LG 1
W - Yoo Dong-hoon (5-2), L - Jeong Chan-heon (5-4)
Rick Guttormson(3.04 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) enjoyed a solid effort, but was stuck with an ND because he didn't get any run support. Guttormson tossed 8 innings(112 pitches, 70 strikes) of 1-run ball. He gave up only 5 hits, 3 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 3. LG starter Kim Kwang-su(5.43 ERA, 1.73 WHIP) worked 5 2/3 solid innings(98 pitches, 61 strikes) of 1-run baseball. Kim allowed only 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 5. With the score tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 9th, KIA mounted a rally. With two outs and the bases empty, KIA 2nd baseman Ahn Chi-hong(.239/.297/.431) ripped a line drive into right/center. Ahn managed to slide in safely at third. LG reliever Jeong Chan-heon(5.59 ERA, 1.52 WHIP) threw a 57 ft. curve ball that got away from the catcher. Ahn was able to scamper across home plate for a walk off wild pitch.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
7/21 Roundup and News
Lotte 14, Doosan 2
W - Son Min-han (5-2), L - CJ Nitkowski (0-4), S - Bae Jang-ho (2)
Wow. The lopsided final and Nitkowski's(7.63 ERA, 1.89 WHIP) name make it look like he was pummeled...again. He really wasn't. CJ didn't pitch well, but he did make it into the 6th inning. Progress! The ridiculous score belongs more to the Doosan bullpen than it does to Nitkowski. 3 Doosan relievers combined to give up 10 runs. Ouch. Lotte starter Son Min-han(3.45 ERA, 1.47 WHIP) had a typical "Son Min-han in 2009" start. He threw about 80 pitches, didn't give up many runs or hits and generally kept the Doosan lineup off balance. At the plate for Lotte, Karim Garcia(.252/.342/.472) continues to heat up. The big Mexican dude hit a grand slam in the 7th inning to really put the game out of reach. Lee Dae-ho(.296/.379/.525) also homered and drove in 3 while going 2-5. Lotte infielder Kim Min-seong(.251/.337/.344) hit a solo homer while going 2-4 with a walk. Kim scored 3 times.
Samsung 8, Seoul Heroes 6
W - Kwon Hyeok (4-4), L - Lee Bo-geun (6-4)
With the score tied at 6 in the top of the 9th inning, the Samsung Lions mounted a rally. Chae Tae-in(.285/.384/.514) lead off by getting hit in the leg. Chae had to leave the game for a pinch runner, but it put the go ahead run on 1st with no outs. Samsung catcher Chae Sang-byeong(.148/.179/.148) laid down a successful sac bunt, but the Heroes tried to get the force out at 2nd. Pitcher Lee Bo-geun's throw was offline and both runners were safe. The next batter, Lee Yeong-wook(.343/.430/.567), blooped a base hit to left to score the go ahead run. Lee would finish the game 4-4 with 4 RBIs and 1 run scored. Chae would advance to 3rd on a sac bunt and score on 3rd baseman Cho Dong-chan's(.274/.360/.463) sac fly to make the score 8-6. Samsung reliever Kwon Hyeok(2.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) recorded the final 7 outs to earn the save. He struck out 3 and walked 1.
Hanhwa 11, SK 1
W - Yoo Won-sang (4-7), L - Gary Glover (2-3)
I'm assuming these two teams switched jerseys and played, right? This score has to be a typo.
Hanhwa starting pitcher Yoo Won-sang(5.89 ERA, 1.79 WHIP) tossed 5 innings(82 pitches, 49 strikes) of 1-run baseball. He gave up only 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2. The Hanhwa bullpen somehow combined to throw 4 innings of scoreless baseball. The 11-1 final makes it look like Gary Glover(3.91 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) was hammered. He wasn't. He ran into trouble in the 6th inning and didn't get any help from the SK bullpen. It seemed like everyone in a Hanhwa uni had a huge night at the plate. Hanhwa 2nd baseman Kim Min-jae(.224/.278/.366) lead the way by going 2-5 with 3 RBIs and 1 run scored. 3rd baseman Lee Beom-ho(.274/.366/.503), left fielder Yeon Kyeong-heum(.260/.349/.447) and 1st baseman Lee Yong-woo(.254/.292/.373) all homered for the Eagles. I wouldn't be surprised if the guys from Hanhwa weren't sure what to do when the game was over and they were the guys who delivered the beating.
LG 2, KIA 1
W - Bong Jung-geun (8-9), L - Kwak Jeong-cheol (5-2), S - Jeong Chan-heon (2)
LG ace Bong Jung-geun(3.08 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) was masterful and the Twins provided juuuuust enough offense to earn the W. Dr. Bong tossed 7 innings(108 pitches, 68 strikes) of 1-run baseball. He gave up only 6 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 4. With KIA holding a slim 1-0 lead in the 7th inning, LG catcher Cho In-seong(.226/.304/.432) hit a sac fly to left that scored pinch hitter Lee Jin-yeong(.323/.398/.502) from 3rd. LG added the go-ahead run in the 8th inning on a solo homer by left fielder Park Yeong-taek(.371/.428/.611). LG reliever Jeong Chan-heon(5.68 ERA, 1.54 WHIP) threw 2 scoreless innings to earn the save. KIA starting pitcher Seo Jae-wong(5.48 ERA, 1.59 WHIP) made a relief appearance in this one. Seo has struggled lately, but I hadn't read any reports(Korean or English) that he was headed to the bullpen he tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
W - Son Min-han (5-2), L - CJ Nitkowski (0-4), S - Bae Jang-ho (2)
Wow. The lopsided final and Nitkowski's(7.63 ERA, 1.89 WHIP) name make it look like he was pummeled...again. He really wasn't. CJ didn't pitch well, but he did make it into the 6th inning. Progress! The ridiculous score belongs more to the Doosan bullpen than it does to Nitkowski. 3 Doosan relievers combined to give up 10 runs. Ouch. Lotte starter Son Min-han(3.45 ERA, 1.47 WHIP) had a typical "Son Min-han in 2009" start. He threw about 80 pitches, didn't give up many runs or hits and generally kept the Doosan lineup off balance. At the plate for Lotte, Karim Garcia(.252/.342/.472) continues to heat up. The big Mexican dude hit a grand slam in the 7th inning to really put the game out of reach. Lee Dae-ho(.296/.379/.525) also homered and drove in 3 while going 2-5. Lotte infielder Kim Min-seong(.251/.337/.344) hit a solo homer while going 2-4 with a walk. Kim scored 3 times.
Samsung 8, Seoul Heroes 6
W - Kwon Hyeok (4-4), L - Lee Bo-geun (6-4)
With the score tied at 6 in the top of the 9th inning, the Samsung Lions mounted a rally. Chae Tae-in(.285/.384/.514) lead off by getting hit in the leg. Chae had to leave the game for a pinch runner, but it put the go ahead run on 1st with no outs. Samsung catcher Chae Sang-byeong(.148/.179/.148) laid down a successful sac bunt, but the Heroes tried to get the force out at 2nd. Pitcher Lee Bo-geun's throw was offline and both runners were safe. The next batter, Lee Yeong-wook(.343/.430/.567), blooped a base hit to left to score the go ahead run. Lee would finish the game 4-4 with 4 RBIs and 1 run scored. Chae would advance to 3rd on a sac bunt and score on 3rd baseman Cho Dong-chan's(.274/.360/.463) sac fly to make the score 8-6. Samsung reliever Kwon Hyeok(2.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) recorded the final 7 outs to earn the save. He struck out 3 and walked 1.
Hanhwa 11, SK 1
W - Yoo Won-sang (4-7), L - Gary Glover (2-3)
I'm assuming these two teams switched jerseys and played, right? This score has to be a typo.
Hanhwa starting pitcher Yoo Won-sang(5.89 ERA, 1.79 WHIP) tossed 5 innings(82 pitches, 49 strikes) of 1-run baseball. He gave up only 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2. The Hanhwa bullpen somehow combined to throw 4 innings of scoreless baseball. The 11-1 final makes it look like Gary Glover(3.91 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) was hammered. He wasn't. He ran into trouble in the 6th inning and didn't get any help from the SK bullpen. It seemed like everyone in a Hanhwa uni had a huge night at the plate. Hanhwa 2nd baseman Kim Min-jae(.224/.278/.366) lead the way by going 2-5 with 3 RBIs and 1 run scored. 3rd baseman Lee Beom-ho(.274/.366/.503), left fielder Yeon Kyeong-heum(.260/.349/.447) and 1st baseman Lee Yong-woo(.254/.292/.373) all homered for the Eagles. I wouldn't be surprised if the guys from Hanhwa weren't sure what to do when the game was over and they were the guys who delivered the beating.
LG 2, KIA 1
W - Bong Jung-geun (8-9), L - Kwak Jeong-cheol (5-2), S - Jeong Chan-heon (2)
LG ace Bong Jung-geun(3.08 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) was masterful and the Twins provided juuuuust enough offense to earn the W. Dr. Bong tossed 7 innings(108 pitches, 68 strikes) of 1-run baseball. He gave up only 6 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 4. With KIA holding a slim 1-0 lead in the 7th inning, LG catcher Cho In-seong(.226/.304/.432) hit a sac fly to left that scored pinch hitter Lee Jin-yeong(.323/.398/.502) from 3rd. LG added the go-ahead run in the 8th inning on a solo homer by left fielder Park Yeong-taek(.371/.428/.611). LG reliever Jeong Chan-heon(5.68 ERA, 1.54 WHIP) threw 2 scoreless innings to earn the save. KIA starting pitcher Seo Jae-wong(5.48 ERA, 1.59 WHIP) made a relief appearance in this one. Seo has struggled lately, but I hadn't read any reports(Korean or English) that he was headed to the bullpen he tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
7/17 - 7/19 Weekend Roundup: Samsung vs. LG
7/17 - PPD
7/18 - Samsung 8, LG 3
7/19 - Samsung 10, LG 8
The biggest news to come out of this series wasn't the result on the field, but by Samsung manager Sun Dong-yeol's contract extension. I'm thrilled Sun will be staying in Daegu. He's one of the better KBO managers and has earned his new contract.
Everything went right on Saturday for the Lions. 4 different Lions enjoyed 2 RBI days and starting pitcher Yoon Seong-hwan posted a quality start. Right fielder Kang Bong-gyu, DH Yang Joon-hyeok, 1st baseman Choi Tae-in and warm body Lee Yeong-wook all drove in 2 runs apiece. Yoon threw 6 innings of 2-run baseball. Yoon gave up only 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6.
After both starting pitchers posted mediocre results, Sunday's game was left up to the bullpens to decide. The Lions bullpen was bad, but the Twins bullpen was legitimately awful. After trading leads back and forth, both teams settled on an 8-8 tie. Faced with the possibility of extra innings, Samsung mounted a rally in the bottom of the 8th. Shin Myeong-cheol and Chae Tae-in both walked to start the inning. Backup catcher Hyeon Jae-yoon bunted the runners into scoring position. Backup outfielder Lee Yeong-wook was intentionally walked to load the bases. 3rd baseman Cho Dong-chan hit a bouncer to 2nd that LG 2nd baseman Park Kyeong-su couldn't find the handle on. Cho was safe at first and the go ahead run was able to score. With two outs and the bases still loaded, Kang Bong-gyu drew a walk to add another run to Samsung's total and make the score 10-8. Samsung reliever Jeong Hyeon-wook stayed in the game for the 9th inning and was able to record the save.
7/18 - Samsung 8, LG 3
7/19 - Samsung 10, LG 8
The biggest news to come out of this series wasn't the result on the field, but by Samsung manager Sun Dong-yeol's contract extension. I'm thrilled Sun will be staying in Daegu. He's one of the better KBO managers and has earned his new contract.
Everything went right on Saturday for the Lions. 4 different Lions enjoyed 2 RBI days and starting pitcher Yoon Seong-hwan posted a quality start. Right fielder Kang Bong-gyu, DH Yang Joon-hyeok, 1st baseman Choi Tae-in and warm body Lee Yeong-wook all drove in 2 runs apiece. Yoon threw 6 innings of 2-run baseball. Yoon gave up only 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6.
After both starting pitchers posted mediocre results, Sunday's game was left up to the bullpens to decide. The Lions bullpen was bad, but the Twins bullpen was legitimately awful. After trading leads back and forth, both teams settled on an 8-8 tie. Faced with the possibility of extra innings, Samsung mounted a rally in the bottom of the 8th. Shin Myeong-cheol and Chae Tae-in both walked to start the inning. Backup catcher Hyeon Jae-yoon bunted the runners into scoring position. Backup outfielder Lee Yeong-wook was intentionally walked to load the bases. 3rd baseman Cho Dong-chan hit a bouncer to 2nd that LG 2nd baseman Park Kyeong-su couldn't find the handle on. Cho was safe at first and the go ahead run was able to score. With two outs and the bases still loaded, Kang Bong-gyu drew a walk to add another run to Samsung's total and make the score 10-8. Samsung reliever Jeong Hyeon-wook stayed in the game for the 9th inning and was able to record the save.
7/17 - 7/19 Weekend Roundup: Hanhwa vs. KIA
7/17 - PPD
7/18 - KIA 14, Hanhwa 4
7/19 - KIA 5, Hanhwa 0
Ryu Hyeon-jin looked absolutely awful. The Hanhwa ace didn't make it out of the 3rd inning. Ryu was pummeled for 6 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks. With an early lead, KIA's Aquilino Lopez was able to go on cruise control. Lopez tossed 6 innings of 3-run baseball. He gave up 9 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5. 10 different Tigers scored runs on Saturday. KIA was lead by catcher Cha Il-mok. Cha went 3-5 with a walk and 5 RBIs. Outfielder Na Ji-wan drove in 3, while 1st baseman Choi Hee-seop, shortstop Lee Hyeon-gon and left fielder Jang Seong-ho drove in 2 apiece. Choi clubbed a 2-run homer in the 4th inning.
Sunday's game was all about Yoon Seok-min. Yoon tossed 8 scoreless innings. The starter-turned-closer-turned-starter allowed only 4 hits, 1 walk and 1 hit batsman while striking out 7. KIA broke through with a 3-run rally in the 3rd inning. KIA catcher Jang Seong-ho started the inning with a solo homer to put KIA on the scoreboard. With two outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd, outfielder Na Ji-wan delivered a bloop single to score both runners and give KIA a 3-0 advantage. KIA tacked on a few "eff you" runs in the late innings, while Hanhwa never threatened...at all.
7/18 - KIA 14, Hanhwa 4
7/19 - KIA 5, Hanhwa 0
Ryu Hyeon-jin looked absolutely awful. The Hanhwa ace didn't make it out of the 3rd inning. Ryu was pummeled for 6 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks. With an early lead, KIA's Aquilino Lopez was able to go on cruise control. Lopez tossed 6 innings of 3-run baseball. He gave up 9 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5. 10 different Tigers scored runs on Saturday. KIA was lead by catcher Cha Il-mok. Cha went 3-5 with a walk and 5 RBIs. Outfielder Na Ji-wan drove in 3, while 1st baseman Choi Hee-seop, shortstop Lee Hyeon-gon and left fielder Jang Seong-ho drove in 2 apiece. Choi clubbed a 2-run homer in the 4th inning.
Sunday's game was all about Yoon Seok-min. Yoon tossed 8 scoreless innings. The starter-turned-closer-turned-starter allowed only 4 hits, 1 walk and 1 hit batsman while striking out 7. KIA broke through with a 3-run rally in the 3rd inning. KIA catcher Jang Seong-ho started the inning with a solo homer to put KIA on the scoreboard. With two outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd, outfielder Na Ji-wan delivered a bloop single to score both runners and give KIA a 3-0 advantage. KIA tacked on a few "eff you" runs in the late innings, while Hanhwa never threatened...at all.
7/17 - 7/19 Weekend Roundup: SK vs. Lotte
7/17 - PPD
7/18 - Lotte 5, SK 4
7/19 - Lotte 16, SK 7
Both starting pitchers were fairly mediocre on Saturday, so the game was turned over to the bullpens with the game tied at 4. In the top of the 9th with one out and the bases loaded, pinch hitter Park Jeong-joon hit a ground ball to SK 2nd baseman Jeong Geun-woo. Jeong's only play was the force at 2nd base. The runner on 3rd was able to scamper home and break the 4-4 tie. Lotte closer Jon Adkins was able to keep the Wyverns off the scoreboard in the bottom of the 9th and earn the save. Lotte right fielder/foreign sensation Karim Garcia enjoyed a solid afternoon. Karim finished 3-3 with a walk and a solo homer. All 4 SK runs came on 2-run homers. 3rd baseman Choi Jeong hit one out in the 4th and left fielder Park Jae-sang hit one out in the 5th.
How good was the Lotte offense on Sunday? Lotte starter Jang Won-joon gave up 6 earned runs and still got the W. Lotte corner infielder Lee Dae-ho almost beat the Wyverns by himself. Lee finished 3-4 with a walk, a double, a homer, 6 RBIs and 3 runs scored. In the 2nd inning, Lee was involved in a controversial play at the plate. He bumped into SK catcher Jeong Sang-ho while scoring the first run of the game. Jeong went down like a ton of bricks and had to be ambulanced off. I guess Lee's elbow caught Jeong in the noggin. Right fielder Karim Garcia and catcher Jang Seong-woo both drove in a pair of runs. Every SK pitcher that came in the game on Sunday gave up runs. It was a cruddy day to be a Wyverns pitcher.
7/18 - Lotte 5, SK 4
7/19 - Lotte 16, SK 7
Both starting pitchers were fairly mediocre on Saturday, so the game was turned over to the bullpens with the game tied at 4. In the top of the 9th with one out and the bases loaded, pinch hitter Park Jeong-joon hit a ground ball to SK 2nd baseman Jeong Geun-woo. Jeong's only play was the force at 2nd base. The runner on 3rd was able to scamper home and break the 4-4 tie. Lotte closer Jon Adkins was able to keep the Wyverns off the scoreboard in the bottom of the 9th and earn the save. Lotte right fielder/foreign sensation Karim Garcia enjoyed a solid afternoon. Karim finished 3-3 with a walk and a solo homer. All 4 SK runs came on 2-run homers. 3rd baseman Choi Jeong hit one out in the 4th and left fielder Park Jae-sang hit one out in the 5th.
How good was the Lotte offense on Sunday? Lotte starter Jang Won-joon gave up 6 earned runs and still got the W. Lotte corner infielder Lee Dae-ho almost beat the Wyverns by himself. Lee finished 3-4 with a walk, a double, a homer, 6 RBIs and 3 runs scored. In the 2nd inning, Lee was involved in a controversial play at the plate. He bumped into SK catcher Jeong Sang-ho while scoring the first run of the game. Jeong went down like a ton of bricks and had to be ambulanced off. I guess Lee's elbow caught Jeong in the noggin. Right fielder Karim Garcia and catcher Jang Seong-woo both drove in a pair of runs. Every SK pitcher that came in the game on Sunday gave up runs. It was a cruddy day to be a Wyverns pitcher.
7/17 - 7/19 Weekend Roundup: Seoul Heroes vs. Doosan
7/17 - PPD
7/18 - PPD
7/19 - Doosan 12, Heroes 8
Both starting pitchers were absolutely pummeled on Sunday. It was up to a battle of the bullpens and Doosan's was slightly less awful than the Heroes. The Heroes pitching staff gave up 14 hits, but only 1 walk. 8 different Bears drove in runs. Doosan was lead by infieder Lee Won-seok. Lee went 2-4 with a double, a homer, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Lee's 3-run homer in the 3rd inning gave Doosan a 7-2 advantage. One of the few positives for the Heroes was center fielder Lee Taek-geun. Lee went 2-5 with a double, a homer, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored. This game wasn't nearly as exciting as a 12-8 final sounds. It was paced like a Red Sox/Yankees game in September. I'm convinced that both sides threw well over 500 pitches each and changed pitchers every other at bat.
7/18 - PPD
7/19 - Doosan 12, Heroes 8
Both starting pitchers were absolutely pummeled on Sunday. It was up to a battle of the bullpens and Doosan's was slightly less awful than the Heroes. The Heroes pitching staff gave up 14 hits, but only 1 walk. 8 different Bears drove in runs. Doosan was lead by infieder Lee Won-seok. Lee went 2-4 with a double, a homer, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Lee's 3-run homer in the 3rd inning gave Doosan a 7-2 advantage. One of the few positives for the Heroes was center fielder Lee Taek-geun. Lee went 2-5 with a double, a homer, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored. This game wasn't nearly as exciting as a 12-8 final sounds. It was paced like a Red Sox/Yankees game in September. I'm convinced that both sides threw well over 500 pitches each and changed pitchers every other at bat.
Monday, July 20, 2009
7/20 Korean Baseball Headlines
Sports Chosun: SK Wyverns Chief Kim Seong-gun’s Explanations for Lotte Giants’ Revival
Lotte Giants just took both games from a (formerly?) very strong SK Wyverns team. SK Manager Kim Seong-gun explains the reasons are…
…forming the batting order around Lotte power hitter Lee Dae-ho,
…warm reception for new team members, allowing them to achieve all they can,
…Lotte Manager Jerry Royster’s revolutionary baseball coaching style.
IS Daily Sports: Doosan Manager Kim Kyung-mun says: “Lotte’s on a 7 game winning streak and it’s scary”
See article title…
Yonhap News: July 21 Games and Starting Pitchers
@ Jamsil, Seoul: Lotte Giants (Son Min-han) vs. Doosan Bears (Chris Nitkowski)
@ Mok-dong, Seoul: Samsung Lions (F. Cruceta) vs. Heros (Kang Yun-gu)
@ Munhak, Incheon: Hanhwa Eagles (Yoo Won-sang) vs. SK Wyverns (G. Glover)
@ Gwangju: LG Twins (Bong Jun-gun) vs. Kia Tigers (Yang hyun-jong)
Korean Baseball Organization Official Website
Top Relievers Jeong Hyun-ok and Kwon Hyuk are fatigued from pitching too much
Samsung Lions reliever Oh Seung-hwan is injured and the above two are pitching too much.. they are getting tired :’-(
Rick Guttormson is out, Kia teammate Yoo Dong-hoon in for All Star Game
Yoo is 4-2, 7 saves, 0.73 ERA.. not too shabby..
Futures All Star Game: Southern team beats northern team 7-4
2nd win in a row in Eui Am Stadium, Chuncheon..
Compiled by Simon
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Something Special about Doosan Catchers?
Friday, July 17, 2009
7/16 Roundup and News
SK 10, LG 4
W - Kim Kwang-hyeon (11-2), L - Bong Jung-geun (7-9)
This match up of Korean aces clearly went to Kim. Dr. Bong endured his worst outing of the season last night. The Good Doctor only stuck around for 2 innings and was lit up for 7 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks. Kim wasn't great, but Bong was so awful that it didn't really matter. Kim tossed 6 innings(108 pitches, 61 strikes) of 2-run baseball. He gave up hits and 3 walks while only striking out 3. SK right fielder Park Jae-hong enjoyed a great day at the plate. Park went 2-4 with a homer, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. SK 2nd baseman Jeong Geun-woo and catcher Jeong Sang-ho drove in 2 runs apiece.
Seoul Heroes 6, KIA 2
W - Lee Hyeon-seung (10-6), L - Seo Jae-wong (2-3)
This game was also all about the starting pitching. Lee was solid, while Seo...wasn't. Heroes starter Lee Hyeon-seung threw 6 1/3 innings(103 pitches, 65 strikes) of 2-run ball. Lee only gave up 6 hits and 3 walks while striking out only 1. Seo was battered and yanked after a rough 3rd inning. After a double steal put runners on 2nd and 3rd, Heroes slugger Cliff Brumaugh blooped a single into right to score both runs. Heroes left fielder Doug Clark went for a combo meal last night. He homered and stole a base while going 3-4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. He's turning into Mr. Everything for the Heroes. KIA 3rd baseman Kim Sang-hyeon was one of the few bright spots for the Tigers. Kim went 2-4 with a solo homer.
Doosan 12, Samsung 11
W - Geum Min-cheol (3-1), L - Oh Seung-hwan (2-2), S - Lee Yong-chan (19)
This game was tough to watch. Literally. The restaurant we were at last night had dreadful reception on the one big screen TV. Samsung built up a 7-2 lead in the 3rd inning, but the embattled Samsung bullpen allowed the Bears to claw their way to a W. Samsung held an 11-9 lead in the 8th inning, but the Bears got to both Kwon Hyeok and Oh Seung-hwan. I'm starting to think there's a hidden injury with Oh. It wouldn't be the first time. With one out in the 8th inning, Doosan shortstop Son Si-hyeon tagged Kwon Hyeok for a solo homer. After Oh Seung-hwan struggled to record outs and put 2 men on, Samsung turned to Bae Yong-su to get them out of the jam. At this point at dinner I started drinking soju straight from the bottle. Bae loaded the bases and then gave up a base hit to Son Si-hyeon. 2 runs would score on the play and Doosan would take a 12-11 lead. At the plate for Samsung, DH Yang Joon-hyeok, left fielder Choi Hyeong-woo and 1st baseman Chae Tae-in all drove in 3 runs apiece. Son and Kim Dong-ju drove in 3 apiece for Doosan, but DH Choi Joon-seok enjoyed the biggest night of all. Choi went 2-3 with 3 walks and 4 RBI. The two teams combined to use 15 pitchers. Yecccchhh.
Lotte 7, Hanhwa 6 (10)
W - Jon Adkins (3-2), L - Hwang Jae-gyu (0-3)
I caught the end of this one after the Samsung/Doosan game finished. With one out in the top of the 8th inning, Hanhwa's Yeon Kyeong-heum hit a solo homer. That's not the interesting part. In the scrum for the ball, a fight broke out in the stands and they actually showed most of it on TV. It appeared that two of the older gentlemen in the group around the homerun ball exchanged words and then exchanged blows. I saw punches, kicks, even hair pulling while these two guys rolled across 5 aisles of seats. What made this tussle funny was that every time they cut back to it on TV, it escalated. At first, it was just two guys. Then ten. When they cut back the 3rd time it looked like 20 were involved while one scared security guard tried to bring some sense of order. I've watched the replay on Naver at least 20 times. It's my Zapruder film. If you watch the full game at Naver, the fight is around the 198:00, 199:00 mark. Reccomended viewing!
The tussle overshadowed what was a great late inning comeback by Lotte. The Giants scored 4 runs during the 8th, 9th and 10th innings to earn the W. The Giants tied the game in the 9th inning when Hong Seong-heun delivered an RBI single into right field. Lotte walked off the Eagles in the 10th on another RBI single from Hong Seong-heun. The Lotte DH earned the ice water shower from his teammates. Hanhwa's Eric Junge made his KBO debut. Junge looked competent! He threw 5 2/3 innings of 3-run ball. He gave up 7 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 3. Some other stuff may or may not have happened, but DID YOU SEE THE FIGHT?!?!?!
W - Kim Kwang-hyeon (11-2), L - Bong Jung-geun (7-9)
This match up of Korean aces clearly went to Kim. Dr. Bong endured his worst outing of the season last night. The Good Doctor only stuck around for 2 innings and was lit up for 7 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks. Kim wasn't great, but Bong was so awful that it didn't really matter. Kim tossed 6 innings(108 pitches, 61 strikes) of 2-run baseball. He gave up hits and 3 walks while only striking out 3. SK right fielder Park Jae-hong enjoyed a great day at the plate. Park went 2-4 with a homer, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. SK 2nd baseman Jeong Geun-woo and catcher Jeong Sang-ho drove in 2 runs apiece.
Seoul Heroes 6, KIA 2
W - Lee Hyeon-seung (10-6), L - Seo Jae-wong (2-3)
This game was also all about the starting pitching. Lee was solid, while Seo...wasn't. Heroes starter Lee Hyeon-seung threw 6 1/3 innings(103 pitches, 65 strikes) of 2-run ball. Lee only gave up 6 hits and 3 walks while striking out only 1. Seo was battered and yanked after a rough 3rd inning. After a double steal put runners on 2nd and 3rd, Heroes slugger Cliff Brumaugh blooped a single into right to score both runs. Heroes left fielder Doug Clark went for a combo meal last night. He homered and stole a base while going 3-4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. He's turning into Mr. Everything for the Heroes. KIA 3rd baseman Kim Sang-hyeon was one of the few bright spots for the Tigers. Kim went 2-4 with a solo homer.
Doosan 12, Samsung 11
W - Geum Min-cheol (3-1), L - Oh Seung-hwan (2-2), S - Lee Yong-chan (19)
This game was tough to watch. Literally. The restaurant we were at last night had dreadful reception on the one big screen TV. Samsung built up a 7-2 lead in the 3rd inning, but the embattled Samsung bullpen allowed the Bears to claw their way to a W. Samsung held an 11-9 lead in the 8th inning, but the Bears got to both Kwon Hyeok and Oh Seung-hwan. I'm starting to think there's a hidden injury with Oh. It wouldn't be the first time. With one out in the 8th inning, Doosan shortstop Son Si-hyeon tagged Kwon Hyeok for a solo homer. After Oh Seung-hwan struggled to record outs and put 2 men on, Samsung turned to Bae Yong-su to get them out of the jam. At this point at dinner I started drinking soju straight from the bottle. Bae loaded the bases and then gave up a base hit to Son Si-hyeon. 2 runs would score on the play and Doosan would take a 12-11 lead. At the plate for Samsung, DH Yang Joon-hyeok, left fielder Choi Hyeong-woo and 1st baseman Chae Tae-in all drove in 3 runs apiece. Son and Kim Dong-ju drove in 3 apiece for Doosan, but DH Choi Joon-seok enjoyed the biggest night of all. Choi went 2-3 with 3 walks and 4 RBI. The two teams combined to use 15 pitchers. Yecccchhh.
Lotte 7, Hanhwa 6 (10)
W - Jon Adkins (3-2), L - Hwang Jae-gyu (0-3)
I caught the end of this one after the Samsung/Doosan game finished. With one out in the top of the 8th inning, Hanhwa's Yeon Kyeong-heum hit a solo homer. That's not the interesting part. In the scrum for the ball, a fight broke out in the stands and they actually showed most of it on TV. It appeared that two of the older gentlemen in the group around the homerun ball exchanged words and then exchanged blows. I saw punches, kicks, even hair pulling while these two guys rolled across 5 aisles of seats. What made this tussle funny was that every time they cut back to it on TV, it escalated. At first, it was just two guys. Then ten. When they cut back the 3rd time it looked like 20 were involved while one scared security guard tried to bring some sense of order. I've watched the replay on Naver at least 20 times. It's my Zapruder film. If you watch the full game at Naver, the fight is around the 198:00, 199:00 mark. Reccomended viewing!
The tussle overshadowed what was a great late inning comeback by Lotte. The Giants scored 4 runs during the 8th, 9th and 10th innings to earn the W. The Giants tied the game in the 9th inning when Hong Seong-heun delivered an RBI single into right field. Lotte walked off the Eagles in the 10th on another RBI single from Hong Seong-heun. The Lotte DH earned the ice water shower from his teammates. Hanhwa's Eric Junge made his KBO debut. Junge looked competent! He threw 5 2/3 innings of 3-run ball. He gave up 7 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 3. Some other stuff may or may not have happened, but DID YOU SEE THE FIGHT?!?!?!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
7/15 Roundup and News
The Hanhwa Eagles have a new foreign player, pitcher Eric Junge. Junge will make his first start tonight, but I can't figure out who has been released to make room. The Eagles roster lists all 3 foreign guys still on the team. Strange. My guess is they'll release Diaz, but don't quote me on that.
It sounds like Doosan and Samsung have pulled off that trade. I'll post the details as soon as I can sit down with this article. It sounds like Samsung traded pitcher Ji Seung-min for catcher Chae Sang-byeong, but I may be mistaken.
On to the roundup...
LG 3, SK 2
W - Han Hee (1-0), L - Gary Glover (2-2), S - Lee Jae-yeong (7)
This game was actually a bit of a snooze. Both starters were terribly mediocre and the last run was scored in the 5th inning. LG scored the go-ahead run on an RBI single from Roberto Petagine(.345/.467/.622) in the 5th inning. Petagine would finish 2-4 with 2 RBIs. The LG bullpen but the game on lock down. SK had exactly one hit during the 5 1/3 innings the LG bullpen threw. SK reliever Jeon Byeong-doo(3.35 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) gets an honorable mention for his 3 innings or work in relief of Gary Glover. Jeon gave up only 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 5. I have nothing more to write that is either relevant or true.
KIA 7, Seoul Heroes 4
W - Rick Guttormson (9-3), L - Ma Il-yeong (3-7), S - Yoo Dong-hoon (7)
Guttormson(3.19 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) wasn't masterful, but he kept the Heroes from taking the lead and stuck around long enough for the W. Rick threw 6 innings(78 pitches, 49 strikes) and allowed 4 runs. He gave up only 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5. Heroes left fielder Doug Clark(.288/.382/.477) took Guttormson deep in the 4th inning for a solo homer. Heroes center fielder Lee Taek-geun(.319/.401/.453) added a 3-run blast in the 6th. The Tigers were able to scratch and claw their way to an early 5-1 lead before the Heroes made it a game with the 3-run blast. KIA 3rd baseman Kim Sang-hyeon(.273/.345/.506) iced the game with a 2-run jack in the 7th inning. KIA closer Yoo Dong-hoon(0.74 ERA, 0.81 WHIP) recorded the final two outs for a really cheap save.
Samsung 6, Doosan 3
W - Francisco Cruceta (8-3), L - CJ Nitkowski (0-3), S - Oh Seung-hwan (19)
CJ Nitkowski(8.38 ERA, 2.17 WHIP) got to pitch 3 innings in his Bears debut. Hey! That's two better than his debut with SK! Progress! CJ was battered for 4 runs on 8 hits during his start. He only struck out 1, but he didn't walk anyone. Keep reaching for that rainbow! Samsung starter Francisco Cruceta(3.88 ERA, 1.56 WHIP) enjoyed a better result. Fast Franky tossed 6 innings(94 pitches, 50 strikes) of 2-run baseball. He allowed 5 hits and 5 walks while striking out 4. Samsung featured a truly balanced attack last night. 6 different Lions drove in runs and none of the 11 hits went for extra bases. The Samsung bullpen chose make things a little too exciting last night. With a 6-2 lead, reliever Kwon Hyeok(2.68 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) served up a meatball to Doosan DH Choi Joon-seok(.350/.417/.558). Choi took the ball out of the ballpark. Samsung called on Oh Seung-hwan(4.31 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) to record the final out. With the bases loaded and 2 outs, Oh struck out right fielder Lim Jae-cheol(.297/.414/.388) to end the game.
Lotte 7, Hanhwa 2
W - Son Min-han (4-2), L - Yoo Won-sang (3-7)
Son Min-han(3.43 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) isn't nearly as dominant as he's been in years past, but he's still a capable starting pitcher in the KBO. Son tossed 6 innings(83 pitches, 53 strikes) of 1-run, 3-hit baseball. Son allowed only 1 walk and 1 hit batsman while striking out 2. Lotte broke a 1-1 tie in the 5th inning with a 4-run rally. Lotte 2nd baseman Cho Seong-hwan(.301/.334/.450) clubbed a 2-run homer to get things rolling. Later in the inning, Karim Garcia(.235/.324/.442) clubbed another 2-run bomb to give the Giants a 5-run advantage. Lotte added 2 more runs in the 6th inning on a 2 RBI single from corner infielder Lee Dae-ho(.286/.371/.498). Lee finished 2-3 with a walk and 3 RBIs. Hanhwa would offer up a fake rally in the 7th, but never really threatened.
It sounds like Doosan and Samsung have pulled off that trade. I'll post the details as soon as I can sit down with this article. It sounds like Samsung traded pitcher Ji Seung-min for catcher Chae Sang-byeong, but I may be mistaken.
On to the roundup...
LG 3, SK 2
W - Han Hee (1-0), L - Gary Glover (2-2), S - Lee Jae-yeong (7)
This game was actually a bit of a snooze. Both starters were terribly mediocre and the last run was scored in the 5th inning. LG scored the go-ahead run on an RBI single from Roberto Petagine(.345/.467/.622) in the 5th inning. Petagine would finish 2-4 with 2 RBIs. The LG bullpen but the game on lock down. SK had exactly one hit during the 5 1/3 innings the LG bullpen threw. SK reliever Jeon Byeong-doo(3.35 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) gets an honorable mention for his 3 innings or work in relief of Gary Glover. Jeon gave up only 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 5. I have nothing more to write that is either relevant or true.
KIA 7, Seoul Heroes 4
W - Rick Guttormson (9-3), L - Ma Il-yeong (3-7), S - Yoo Dong-hoon (7)
Guttormson(3.19 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) wasn't masterful, but he kept the Heroes from taking the lead and stuck around long enough for the W. Rick threw 6 innings(78 pitches, 49 strikes) and allowed 4 runs. He gave up only 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5. Heroes left fielder Doug Clark(.288/.382/.477) took Guttormson deep in the 4th inning for a solo homer. Heroes center fielder Lee Taek-geun(.319/.401/.453) added a 3-run blast in the 6th. The Tigers were able to scratch and claw their way to an early 5-1 lead before the Heroes made it a game with the 3-run blast. KIA 3rd baseman Kim Sang-hyeon(.273/.345/.506) iced the game with a 2-run jack in the 7th inning. KIA closer Yoo Dong-hoon(0.74 ERA, 0.81 WHIP) recorded the final two outs for a really cheap save.
Samsung 6, Doosan 3
W - Francisco Cruceta (8-3), L - CJ Nitkowski (0-3), S - Oh Seung-hwan (19)
CJ Nitkowski(8.38 ERA, 2.17 WHIP) got to pitch 3 innings in his Bears debut. Hey! That's two better than his debut with SK! Progress! CJ was battered for 4 runs on 8 hits during his start. He only struck out 1, but he didn't walk anyone. Keep reaching for that rainbow! Samsung starter Francisco Cruceta(3.88 ERA, 1.56 WHIP) enjoyed a better result. Fast Franky tossed 6 innings(94 pitches, 50 strikes) of 2-run baseball. He allowed 5 hits and 5 walks while striking out 4. Samsung featured a truly balanced attack last night. 6 different Lions drove in runs and none of the 11 hits went for extra bases. The Samsung bullpen chose make things a little too exciting last night. With a 6-2 lead, reliever Kwon Hyeok(2.68 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) served up a meatball to Doosan DH Choi Joon-seok(.350/.417/.558). Choi took the ball out of the ballpark. Samsung called on Oh Seung-hwan(4.31 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) to record the final out. With the bases loaded and 2 outs, Oh struck out right fielder Lim Jae-cheol(.297/.414/.388) to end the game.
Lotte 7, Hanhwa 2
W - Son Min-han (4-2), L - Yoo Won-sang (3-7)
Son Min-han(3.43 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) isn't nearly as dominant as he's been in years past, but he's still a capable starting pitcher in the KBO. Son tossed 6 innings(83 pitches, 53 strikes) of 1-run, 3-hit baseball. Son allowed only 1 walk and 1 hit batsman while striking out 2. Lotte broke a 1-1 tie in the 5th inning with a 4-run rally. Lotte 2nd baseman Cho Seong-hwan(.301/.334/.450) clubbed a 2-run homer to get things rolling. Later in the inning, Karim Garcia(.235/.324/.442) clubbed another 2-run bomb to give the Giants a 5-run advantage. Lotte added 2 more runs in the 6th inning on a 2 RBI single from corner infielder Lee Dae-ho(.286/.371/.498). Lee finished 2-3 with a walk and 3 RBIs. Hanhwa would offer up a fake rally in the 7th, but never really threatened.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Kim Tae-gyun Sounds Waaaay Too Excited to Leave the KBO
More from our human translation machine, Simon. We've got to get him his own login.
"I'm going overseas next year!" - The Returning Kim Tae-kyun
You can say that this baseball player is the 4th best hitter in the country. Kim Tae-kyun, 4th batter in the Hanhwa Eagles lineup, has hit a home run in each of his last 4 games after his return from injury. But what he is saying now is a blow of equal proportions. Kim is talking about playing abroad as he is scheduled to gain free agency status this year.
Kim Tae-kyun's thoughts on..
World Baseball Classic Hero..
"It is the dream of all Korean athletes to play overseas.."
What comes to mind when it is time to be a hero..
"Loss of concentration.."
A good return from injury..
"A good effort will result in a playoff spot.."
Results now are very good but..
"My health has gotten a lot better but I would like to become 100% again.. I'm at 80% now.."
What exactly the symptoms of a concussion are..
"Mainly loss of strength and energy.. you become dizzy and don't want to move.."
The plans for going overseas after you become a free agent..
"I want to play on a bigger stage. All athletes are like that. Getting back to 100% and helping out my team is my goal now.. but after that I'll be thinking more about going overseas."
What comes to mind between you and the other WBC players? A WBC ghost story?
"We trained harder than usual and becamed fatigued easier too. I wonder if it was worth it when we had to play a full season right after it."
Goals for the rest of the season..
"Our team's not doing very well but we won't give up. We'll try our best to get into a playoff spot. I would like for us to keep trying our best to the end."
"I'm going overseas next year!" - The Returning Kim Tae-kyun
You can say that this baseball player is the 4th best hitter in the country. Kim Tae-kyun, 4th batter in the Hanhwa Eagles lineup, has hit a home run in each of his last 4 games after his return from injury. But what he is saying now is a blow of equal proportions. Kim is talking about playing abroad as he is scheduled to gain free agency status this year.
Kim Tae-kyun's thoughts on..
World Baseball Classic Hero..
"It is the dream of all Korean athletes to play overseas.."
What comes to mind when it is time to be a hero..
"Loss of concentration.."
A good return from injury..
"A good effort will result in a playoff spot.."
Results now are very good but..
"My health has gotten a lot better but I would like to become 100% again.. I'm at 80% now.."
What exactly the symptoms of a concussion are..
"Mainly loss of strength and energy.. you become dizzy and don't want to move.."
The plans for going overseas after you become a free agent..
"I want to play on a bigger stage. All athletes are like that. Getting back to 100% and helping out my team is my goal now.. but after that I'll be thinking more about going overseas."
What comes to mind between you and the other WBC players? A WBC ghost story?
"We trained harder than usual and becamed fatigued easier too. I wonder if it was worth it when we had to play a full season right after it."
Goals for the rest of the season..
"Our team's not doing very well but we won't give up. We'll try our best to get into a playoff spot. I would like for us to keep trying our best to the end."
A Trade? During the Season? In the KBO? It's Possible
Here's a translation from the newest member of team TSoKB, Simon. We'll get a bio on Simon later, but for now, here's his first official contribution.
Samsung and Doosan: The First Public Trade Talks.. Why?
Samsung brings up sudden catcher trade proposal to Doosan.
It might seem natural for Samsung to bring up a trade to solve their catcher issues. But a "public" trade is definitely something new. Samsung manager Seon Dong-yeol and Doosan manager Kim Kyong-moon have been discussing this issue very openly. Big trades usually happen behind closed doors, but both managers have chosen to discuss the trade publicly. What could be the reason?
Reason 1: Needs are clearly seen.
Injured Samsung catcher Jin Gap-yong is out for the season with a knee surgery and his back-up Hyun Jae-yun has been complaining of shoulder pains since since July 14th. Hyun caught for Samsung while Lee Jin-yong made his KBO debut. The idea of a trade might have come up here. A target team might have become clear. Doosan had a bad experience with catchers: Chae Sang-byong and Kim Jin-soo. Samsung has left handed pitchers that Doosan may need:Ji Seung-min, Baek Jeong-hyon, Park Seong-hoon. Doosan might have been pleading for help in this game.
Reason 2: A new co-operative relationship between Samsung and Doosan.
These two teams get along very well, in many aspects of the game. Managers Kim Kyeong-moon and Seon Dong-yeol were roomates during their time at Korea University. It's a very close relationship indeed. Kim publicly thanked Seon for advice given during the Beijing Olympics. Samsung was a dominant team in the 2000's and it was very difficult to conduct a trade between Samsung and another team. But Doosan was the exception. In 2006, Kang Dong-woo was traded for Kang Bong-kyu and Kim Chang-hui and and Kim Deog-yun was successfully traded for Cho Hyun-gun.
Reason 3: The idea of a trade has changed.
Both managers may have changed the way they think about trading players. Instead of thinking of a trade as where they accept the leftovers of another team, they are thinking of it as a way to improve their teams. Successful KIA 3rd baseman Kim Sang-hyun is a great example. Players see how he succeeded after his trade and want to follow in his example. Managers see players who may not be sucessful with their teams try harder to get traded so that they may succeed with another team. A trade is now considered a 'favor' and there is nothing to hide.
Samsung and Doosan: The First Public Trade Talks.. Why?
Samsung brings up sudden catcher trade proposal to Doosan.
It might seem natural for Samsung to bring up a trade to solve their catcher issues. But a "public" trade is definitely something new. Samsung manager Seon Dong-yeol and Doosan manager Kim Kyong-moon have been discussing this issue very openly. Big trades usually happen behind closed doors, but both managers have chosen to discuss the trade publicly. What could be the reason?
Reason 1: Needs are clearly seen.
Injured Samsung catcher Jin Gap-yong is out for the season with a knee surgery and his back-up Hyun Jae-yun has been complaining of shoulder pains since since July 14th. Hyun caught for Samsung while Lee Jin-yong made his KBO debut. The idea of a trade might have come up here. A target team might have become clear. Doosan had a bad experience with catchers: Chae Sang-byong and Kim Jin-soo. Samsung has left handed pitchers that Doosan may need:Ji Seung-min, Baek Jeong-hyon, Park Seong-hoon. Doosan might have been pleading for help in this game.
Reason 2: A new co-operative relationship between Samsung and Doosan.
These two teams get along very well, in many aspects of the game. Managers Kim Kyeong-moon and Seon Dong-yeol were roomates during their time at Korea University. It's a very close relationship indeed. Kim publicly thanked Seon for advice given during the Beijing Olympics. Samsung was a dominant team in the 2000's and it was very difficult to conduct a trade between Samsung and another team. But Doosan was the exception. In 2006, Kang Dong-woo was traded for Kang Bong-kyu and Kim Chang-hui and and Kim Deog-yun was successfully traded for Cho Hyun-gun.
Reason 3: The idea of a trade has changed.
Both managers may have changed the way they think about trading players. Instead of thinking of a trade as where they accept the leftovers of another team, they are thinking of it as a way to improve their teams. Successful KIA 3rd baseman Kim Sang-hyun is a great example. Players see how he succeeded after his trade and want to follow in his example. Managers see players who may not be sucessful with their teams try harder to get traded so that they may succeed with another team. A trade is now considered a 'favor' and there is nothing to hide.
7/14 Roundup and News
Samsung DH Yang Joon-hyeok became the first Korean to hit 350 career homers.
LG/SK and Hanhwa/KIA were both washed out last night.
On to the roundup...
Doosan 14, Samsung 9
W - Geum Min-cheol (2-1), L - Cha Woo-chan (6-5)
I can't believe they played this game. It was pissing off and on all day in Daegu. When I tuned in during the 3rd inning and saw the score was 10-2, I really wished it was rained out.
The Doosan lineup simply wore out the Samsung pitching staff. Doosan scored 10 runs in 3 innings and only had 1(!) extra base hit. Doosan DH Choi Joon-sik(.352/.420/.549) finished 3-3(all singles) with 5 RBIs. Shortstop Lim Jae-cheol(.294/.415/.387) finished 2-3(all singles) with 3 RBIs. The two teams combined to use 12 pitchers during the game. Doosan alone needed 7 pitchers to throw 9 innings. The two starting pitchers combined to throw 2 innings. Doosan starter Lee Jae-woo(3.29 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) lasted only 1/3 of an inning, while Samsung starter Cha Woo-chan(5.23 ERA, 1.70 WHIP) managed to last 1 2/3 innings. This was an ugly, ugly game.
Lotte 8, Hanhwa 1
W - Jang Won-joon (8-6), L - Kim Hyeok-min (7-9)
This game was actually a little more interesting than the scoreboard makes it look. Lotte held a 3-1 lead in the 7th inning when the Giants exploded for a 5-run rally off of the hapless Hanhwa bullpen. Kim Hyeok-min(7.75 ERA, 1.91 WHIP) took another loss, but he pitched slightly better than usual. Hey! He made it into the 5th inning. That's progress. Lotte starter Jang Won-joon(4.14 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) looked solid last night. Jang tossed 6 2/3 innings(101 pitches, 58 strikes) of 1-run baseball. He allowed 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out 4. With most of the Lotte regulars either injured or resting, the backups took advantage of the opportunity. Backup 1st baseman Park Jong-yoon(.375/.421/.438 in 16 AB's) and backup outfielder Jeong Bo-myeong(.319/.387/.385) both drove in 2 RBIs. Backup catcher Jang Seong-woo(.250/.316/.313 in 16 AB's) added 3 RBIs for the Giants. 2 of which came on his knockout punch/2 RBI double in the 7th inning.
I really can't wait for the end of monsoon season.
LG/SK and Hanhwa/KIA were both washed out last night.
On to the roundup...
Doosan 14, Samsung 9
W - Geum Min-cheol (2-1), L - Cha Woo-chan (6-5)
I can't believe they played this game. It was pissing off and on all day in Daegu. When I tuned in during the 3rd inning and saw the score was 10-2, I really wished it was rained out.
The Doosan lineup simply wore out the Samsung pitching staff. Doosan scored 10 runs in 3 innings and only had 1(!) extra base hit. Doosan DH Choi Joon-sik(.352/.420/.549) finished 3-3(all singles) with 5 RBIs. Shortstop Lim Jae-cheol(.294/.415/.387) finished 2-3(all singles) with 3 RBIs. The two teams combined to use 12 pitchers during the game. Doosan alone needed 7 pitchers to throw 9 innings. The two starting pitchers combined to throw 2 innings. Doosan starter Lee Jae-woo(3.29 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) lasted only 1/3 of an inning, while Samsung starter Cha Woo-chan(5.23 ERA, 1.70 WHIP) managed to last 1 2/3 innings. This was an ugly, ugly game.
Lotte 8, Hanhwa 1
W - Jang Won-joon (8-6), L - Kim Hyeok-min (7-9)
This game was actually a little more interesting than the scoreboard makes it look. Lotte held a 3-1 lead in the 7th inning when the Giants exploded for a 5-run rally off of the hapless Hanhwa bullpen. Kim Hyeok-min(7.75 ERA, 1.91 WHIP) took another loss, but he pitched slightly better than usual. Hey! He made it into the 5th inning. That's progress. Lotte starter Jang Won-joon(4.14 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) looked solid last night. Jang tossed 6 2/3 innings(101 pitches, 58 strikes) of 1-run baseball. He allowed 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out 4. With most of the Lotte regulars either injured or resting, the backups took advantage of the opportunity. Backup 1st baseman Park Jong-yoon(.375/.421/.438 in 16 AB's) and backup outfielder Jeong Bo-myeong(.319/.387/.385) both drove in 2 RBIs. Backup catcher Jang Seong-woo(.250/.316/.313 in 16 AB's) added 3 RBIs for the Giants. 2 of which came on his knockout punch/2 RBI double in the 7th inning.
I really can't wait for the end of monsoon season.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
7/10 - 7/12 Weekend Roundup: Seoul Heroes vs. Lotte
7/10 - Lotte 3, Hereos 0
7/11 - Lotte 4, Heroes 3
7/12 - PPD, rain
Lotte starter Song Seung-joon is absolutely red hot. On Friday night, Song tossed a 3-hit shutout(119 pitches, 71 strikes). Song gave up only 3 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 4. All 3 Lotte runs came on a 3-run homer off the bat of DH Hong Seong-heun in the 6th inning. I have nothing more that is relevant or true to write about this game.
Lotte jumped out to an early 4 run lead on Saturday. Lotte outfielder Jeon Joon-woo lead off the game with a solo homer and DH Hong Seong-heun hit his 2nd 3-run bomb in as many days in the 4th inning. The Heroes got on the scoreboard for the first time in the series in the bottom of the 4th. Shortstop Kang Jeong-ho delivered an RBI double to make it a 4-1 ballgame. The Heroes offered up a fake rally in the bottom of the 9th, but Lotte reliever Lee Jeong-hoon was able to save the day after Jon Adkins was unable to record an out. Lotte starting pitcher Cho Jeong-hoon gave the Giants a great effort. Cho tossed 8 innings(96 pitches, 57 strikes) of 1-run ball. He allowed 6 hits, 1 walk and 1 hit batsman while striking out 4. He wasn't as masterful as Song, but he got the job done.
7/11 - Lotte 4, Heroes 3
7/12 - PPD, rain
Lotte starter Song Seung-joon is absolutely red hot. On Friday night, Song tossed a 3-hit shutout(119 pitches, 71 strikes). Song gave up only 3 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 4. All 3 Lotte runs came on a 3-run homer off the bat of DH Hong Seong-heun in the 6th inning. I have nothing more that is relevant or true to write about this game.
Lotte jumped out to an early 4 run lead on Saturday. Lotte outfielder Jeon Joon-woo lead off the game with a solo homer and DH Hong Seong-heun hit his 2nd 3-run bomb in as many days in the 4th inning. The Heroes got on the scoreboard for the first time in the series in the bottom of the 4th. Shortstop Kang Jeong-ho delivered an RBI double to make it a 4-1 ballgame. The Heroes offered up a fake rally in the bottom of the 9th, but Lotte reliever Lee Jeong-hoon was able to save the day after Jon Adkins was unable to record an out. Lotte starting pitcher Cho Jeong-hoon gave the Giants a great effort. Cho tossed 8 innings(96 pitches, 57 strikes) of 1-run ball. He allowed 6 hits, 1 walk and 1 hit batsman while striking out 4. He wasn't as masterful as Song, but he got the job done.
7/10 - 7/12 Weekend Roundup: Hanhwa vs. LG
7/10 - LG 5, Hanhwa 4
7/11 - Hanhwa 8, LG 0
7/12 - PPD, rain
With the score tied at 3 in the bottom of the 8th inning, LG rallied for a pair of runs to take the lead. LG DH Park Byeong-ho untied the game with one swing of the bat. Park put a Yang Hoon fastball over the center field fence for a 2-run homer. Hanhwa offered up a fake rally in the top of the 9th, but LG's Jeong Chan-heon was able to put out the fire and earn the save. Hanhwa's big bats, Lee Beom-ho and Kim Tae-gyun, hit back-to-back homers in the first inning. Lee finished 2-5 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored, while Kim went 3-5 with 1 run and 1 RBI. Lost in this game was a quality start from LG ace Bong Jung-geun. Bong tossed 7 innings(133 pitches, 79 strikes) of 3-run baseball. Bong gave up 8 hits, 4 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 4.
Saturday night's game was all about Hanhwa ace Ryu Hyeon-jin. Ryu went the distance with a complete game shutout(122 pitches, 81 strikes). He allowed 3 hits and 0 walks while striking out 14. Ryu looked awesome. This was, by far, his best start of the season. He was every bit as good as his line suggested. The Hanhwa offense did most of their damage with the long ball. Hanhwa DH started the party right with a 2-run bomb in the 2nd inning. Hanhwa infielder Kim Min-jae added another 2-run jack in the same inning. Hanhwa left fielder Yeon Kyeong-heum added a 3-run "efffff you" homer in the top of the 9th. He wanted to make sure LG knew they were beaten.
7/11 - Hanhwa 8, LG 0
7/12 - PPD, rain
With the score tied at 3 in the bottom of the 8th inning, LG rallied for a pair of runs to take the lead. LG DH Park Byeong-ho untied the game with one swing of the bat. Park put a Yang Hoon fastball over the center field fence for a 2-run homer. Hanhwa offered up a fake rally in the top of the 9th, but LG's Jeong Chan-heon was able to put out the fire and earn the save. Hanhwa's big bats, Lee Beom-ho and Kim Tae-gyun, hit back-to-back homers in the first inning. Lee finished 2-5 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored, while Kim went 3-5 with 1 run and 1 RBI. Lost in this game was a quality start from LG ace Bong Jung-geun. Bong tossed 7 innings(133 pitches, 79 strikes) of 3-run baseball. Bong gave up 8 hits, 4 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 4.
Saturday night's game was all about Hanhwa ace Ryu Hyeon-jin. Ryu went the distance with a complete game shutout(122 pitches, 81 strikes). He allowed 3 hits and 0 walks while striking out 14. Ryu looked awesome. This was, by far, his best start of the season. He was every bit as good as his line suggested. The Hanhwa offense did most of their damage with the long ball. Hanhwa DH started the party right with a 2-run bomb in the 2nd inning. Hanhwa infielder Kim Min-jae added another 2-run jack in the same inning. Hanhwa left fielder Yeon Kyeong-heum added a 3-run "efffff you" homer in the top of the 9th. He wanted to make sure LG knew they were beaten.
Monday, July 13, 2009
7/10 - 7/12 Weekend Roundup: Samsung vs. SK
7/10 - Samsung 7, SK 2
7/11 - Samsung 5, SK 3
7/12 - PPD, rain
Friday night's game was actually a fairly tense, well-played affair...until Samsung busted the game open with a 4-run rally in the 7th. Samsung held a slim 2-1 lead heading into the top of the 7th. SK ace Kim Kwang-hyeon was a victim of his own pitch count and was pulled after the 5th inning. Kim threw 98 pitches, 65 of which were strikes. Kim allowed 2 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6. In the 7th inning, SK turned to Lee Seung-ho to keep the game close. He blew it. With runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out, Samsung outfielder Park Han-yi drilled a pitch back up the middle for a basehit. Both runs scored on the play and Samsung took a 4-1 advantage. Lee hung a breaking ball to Samsung left fielder Choi Hyeong-woo and paid for it. Choi put the ball over the right field fence for a 2-run jack. SK offered up a fake rally in the bottom of the 7th, but never really threatened Samsung's lead. Samsung starting pitcher Lee Woo-seon turned in a great effort against the defending champs. Lee threw 5 1/3 innings(88 pitches, 53 strikes) of 1-run baseball. He allowed 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6.
Saturday's game was almost identical to Friday's. The only difference was that until the 6th inning, no one scored. All 8 runs scored on Saturday came in the 6th or later. Samsung starter Yoon Seong-hwan and SK starter Song Eun-beom both had dueling shutouts until Song faltered in the 6th. Yoon ended up throwing 6 shutout innings(104 pitches, 72 strikes) and earning the W. Yoon gave up only 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7. Song threw equally as well, until he was victimized by the long ball in the 6th and 7th innings. Samsung outfielder Kang Bong-gyu broke the scoreless tie with a 2-run homer in the 6th inning. In the 7th, Samsung infielder Cho Dong-chan delivered a solo shot that would chase Song from the game. Kang would also add a solo shot in the 8th inning that would be the difference on the scoreboard. His 8th inning solo blast was his 3rd homer in the last 2 days. The SK bullpen tried awfully hard to blow the game, but SK could never break through with a big rally. Samsung reliever Jeong Hyeon-wook tossed 2 innings to earn the save.
Sunday's game was washed out.
7/11 - Samsung 5, SK 3
7/12 - PPD, rain
Friday night's game was actually a fairly tense, well-played affair...until Samsung busted the game open with a 4-run rally in the 7th. Samsung held a slim 2-1 lead heading into the top of the 7th. SK ace Kim Kwang-hyeon was a victim of his own pitch count and was pulled after the 5th inning. Kim threw 98 pitches, 65 of which were strikes. Kim allowed 2 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6. In the 7th inning, SK turned to Lee Seung-ho to keep the game close. He blew it. With runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out, Samsung outfielder Park Han-yi drilled a pitch back up the middle for a basehit. Both runs scored on the play and Samsung took a 4-1 advantage. Lee hung a breaking ball to Samsung left fielder Choi Hyeong-woo and paid for it. Choi put the ball over the right field fence for a 2-run jack. SK offered up a fake rally in the bottom of the 7th, but never really threatened Samsung's lead. Samsung starting pitcher Lee Woo-seon turned in a great effort against the defending champs. Lee threw 5 1/3 innings(88 pitches, 53 strikes) of 1-run baseball. He allowed 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6.
Saturday's game was almost identical to Friday's. The only difference was that until the 6th inning, no one scored. All 8 runs scored on Saturday came in the 6th or later. Samsung starter Yoon Seong-hwan and SK starter Song Eun-beom both had dueling shutouts until Song faltered in the 6th. Yoon ended up throwing 6 shutout innings(104 pitches, 72 strikes) and earning the W. Yoon gave up only 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7. Song threw equally as well, until he was victimized by the long ball in the 6th and 7th innings. Samsung outfielder Kang Bong-gyu broke the scoreless tie with a 2-run homer in the 6th inning. In the 7th, Samsung infielder Cho Dong-chan delivered a solo shot that would chase Song from the game. Kang would also add a solo shot in the 8th inning that would be the difference on the scoreboard. His 8th inning solo blast was his 3rd homer in the last 2 days. The SK bullpen tried awfully hard to blow the game, but SK could never break through with a big rally. Samsung reliever Jeong Hyeon-wook tossed 2 innings to earn the save.
Sunday's game was washed out.
7/10 - 7/12 Weekend Roundup: KIA vs Doosan
7/10 - KIA 3, Doosan 2
7/11 - PPD, rain
7/12 - PPD, rain
On Friday night, Aquilino Lopez kept his team in the game by hanging on to a slim 2-1 lead during his 7 innings(118 pitches, 80 strikes) of work. Senor Smoke gave up only 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 8. Immediately after Lopez was taken out, the KIA bullpen surrendered the tying run. After leading off with a single and advancing to third on a Kim Hyeon-su basehit, Doosan center fielder Jeong Su-bin was able to score on an RBI groundout by Kim Dong-joo to tie the game. The score remained tied until the bottom of the 9th. With the bases loaded and 2 outs, KIA shortstop Lee Hyeon-gon was drilled in the elbow by a Yoo Dong-hoon pitch. KIA won on a walkoff HBP.
Both Saturday and Sunday were washed out. Rain, rain go away.
7/11 - PPD, rain
7/12 - PPD, rain
On Friday night, Aquilino Lopez kept his team in the game by hanging on to a slim 2-1 lead during his 7 innings(118 pitches, 80 strikes) of work. Senor Smoke gave up only 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 8. Immediately after Lopez was taken out, the KIA bullpen surrendered the tying run. After leading off with a single and advancing to third on a Kim Hyeon-su basehit, Doosan center fielder Jeong Su-bin was able to score on an RBI groundout by Kim Dong-joo to tie the game. The score remained tied until the bottom of the 9th. With the bases loaded and 2 outs, KIA shortstop Lee Hyeon-gon was drilled in the elbow by a Yoo Dong-hoon pitch. KIA won on a walkoff HBP.
Both Saturday and Sunday were washed out. Rain, rain go away.
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