8/28 - SK 6, Samsung 4
8/29 - SK 6, Samsung 2
8/30 - SK 3, Samsung 1
Between Samsung and my beloved Chicago White Sox, I'm thrilled that my xbox was repaired AND I found a Chinese copy of Madden to fill the hours with. I've spent more time watching KIA than I have watching the Lions or my beloved White Sox.
This series was all about the pitching and recording of outs. SK was able to do both with regularity. Samsung...didn't.
After tagging SK starter Song Eun-beom for 4 runs during his 3 2/3 innings of work, the SK bullpen shut the Lions down for 5 1/3 innings. 5 SK relievers combined to give up 2 hits and 1 walk, while the SK offense clawed its way back into the game. In the 7th inning, Samsung held a slim 4-3 lead and put the gam in the hands of reliever Cha Woo-chan. Cha was gave up the lead in approximately .0003 seconds. With a runner on 2nd and 1 out, Jeong Geun-woo singled to left to score the tying run. Cha walked the bases loaded and then walked SK shortstop Na Joo-hwan to give SK a 5-4 advantage. SK left fielder Park Jae-sang hit an "eff-you" homer in the 9th just to make sure Samsung knew they were beaten. SK reliver Jeon Byeong-doo recorded the final 5 outs in order for the save.
On Saturday, SK got a quality start from starter Goh Hyo-joon and another shutdown performance from the bullpen. Goh tossed 5 2/3 innings(94 pitches, 61 strikes) of 2-run baseball. He gave up only 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 5. 4 SK relievers combined to throw 3 1/3 innings of shutout baseball. After Goh left the game, Samsung didn't record another hit until the 9th inning. SK 2nd baseman Jeong Geun-woo and DH Park Jae-hyeon both recorded 2 RBIs to lead the SK offense.
Sunday was eerily similar to Saturday. SK starter Gary Glover tossed 7 innings(117 pitches, 68 strikes) of 1-run baseball. The Glove allowed 4 hits and 5 walks while striking out 7. Again, 4 SK relievers combined to throw 2 shutout innings. Only Jeong Woo-ram allowed a hit and he only faced one batter. Samsung starter Francisco Cruceta deserved better than he got from the Samsung offense. Cruceta tossed 7 innings(101 pitches, 60 strikes) and allowed 3 runs. Cruceta gave up only 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 3. Hold your head up, Franky. The ballgame was scoreless until the 5th inning. SK put runners on 2nd and 3rd with only 1 out. The Wyverns called on pinch hitter Park Jeong-hwan to get them on the scoreboard. Park hit a seeing-eye single up the middle to plate both runners and give SK a 2-0 advantage. Those runs proved to be all SK would need. Jeon Byeong-doo tossed a 1-2-3 9th for his 2nd save in 3 days.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
8/27 Roundup and News
No real news worth mentioning.
On to the roundup...
Seoul Heroes 7, LG 5
W - Kang Yoon-guh (2-1), L - Lee Jae-yeong (5-3)
The Heroes clobbered Twins pitching for 4 homers on Thursday night. The Heroes also used their legs to steal 5 bases against the Twins. Let's see, that many homers and stolen bases in the same game this late in the season means one thing. Stat paddin' time!
The homer that made the biggest difference came in the top of the 9th inning with the score tied at 5. With a runner on 2nd and 2 outs, Heroes shortstop Kang Jeong-ho took Lee Jae-yeong's 1-0 offering over the fence in left/center. Kang's blast made the score 7-5. Heroes reliever Kang Yoon-guh stayed in for the 9th inning and put the Twins down in order. Kang threw 5 1/3 innings(67 pitches, 42 strikes) of relief. He allowed only 1 run on 1 hit and 3 walks while striking out 4. Heroes left fielder Doug Clark went 3-5 with a homer, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored.
SK 7, Doosan 2
W - Ken Kadokura (6-4), L - Juan Cedeno (3-6)
The final makes this game look more entertaining than it really was. SK jumped out to an early lead thanks to a fairly horrific effort from Doosan starter, Juan Cedeno. Cedeno stuck around for only 2 innings. Big Juan gave up 4 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks. With the early lead, the pace of the game slowed to a crawl. SK starter Ken Kadokura was able to keep the Doosan offense off-balance for most of the evening. Kadokura tossed 6 innings(111 pitches, 74 strikes) of 1-run baseball. Kadokura allowed 9 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5. SK shortstop Na Ji-hwan enjoyed a solid evening at the plate. Na finished 2-4 with a double, a homer, 3 RBIs and 1 run scored. SK right fielder Park Jae-hong lead off the game with a solo homer. Park went 2-4 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored.
Samsung 11, Lotte 8
W - Baek Jeong-hyeon (1-0), L - Bae Jang-ho (1-1)
This game was everything that I hate about the KBO. This game took over 4 hours to finish! What person under the age of 30 is going to have the patience to watch a 4-hour baseball game? If you give your average Korean middle school student a choice to watch a 4-hour baseball game or go to the PC room with his buddies for 4-hours, he's probably not going to choose the ballgame.
This game was reasonably close until Lotte reliever Kim Il-yeob started throwing meatballs. Kim gave up homers upon entering and before leaving the game. Samsung 1st baseman Chae Tae-in went 3-4 with a walk, a homer 4 RBIs and 1 run scored. Third baseman Park Seok-min hit his 20th homer of the season while going 1-3 with a walk 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. Lotte DH and potential batting champ Hong Seong-heun helped his case by going 3-6 with a double 3 RBIs and 1 run scored. I have no interest in discussing this game any further. Too many painful memories. I just remember looking at my watch and seeing that it was 9pm and this game was only in the 6th inning. The horror.
Hanhwa 7, KIA 1
W - Ahn Yeong-myeong (9-7), L - Lee Dae-jin (2-5)
It's amazing what happens when a team gets a quality start AND the offense shows up in the same game. Hanhwa starter Ahn Yeong-myeong threw 6 scoreless innings(102 pitches, 62 strikes). Ahn gave up only 4 hits and 5 walks while striking out 6. The Hanhwa offense pummeled KIA starter Lee Dae-jin throughout his 4 1/3 innings of work. DH Lee Yeong-woo lead the charge for Hanhwa. Lee went 2-4 with a double and 4 RBIs.
On to the roundup...
Seoul Heroes 7, LG 5
W - Kang Yoon-guh (2-1), L - Lee Jae-yeong (5-3)
The Heroes clobbered Twins pitching for 4 homers on Thursday night. The Heroes also used their legs to steal 5 bases against the Twins. Let's see, that many homers and stolen bases in the same game this late in the season means one thing. Stat paddin' time!
The homer that made the biggest difference came in the top of the 9th inning with the score tied at 5. With a runner on 2nd and 2 outs, Heroes shortstop Kang Jeong-ho took Lee Jae-yeong's 1-0 offering over the fence in left/center. Kang's blast made the score 7-5. Heroes reliever Kang Yoon-guh stayed in for the 9th inning and put the Twins down in order. Kang threw 5 1/3 innings(67 pitches, 42 strikes) of relief. He allowed only 1 run on 1 hit and 3 walks while striking out 4. Heroes left fielder Doug Clark went 3-5 with a homer, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored.
SK 7, Doosan 2
W - Ken Kadokura (6-4), L - Juan Cedeno (3-6)
The final makes this game look more entertaining than it really was. SK jumped out to an early lead thanks to a fairly horrific effort from Doosan starter, Juan Cedeno. Cedeno stuck around for only 2 innings. Big Juan gave up 4 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks. With the early lead, the pace of the game slowed to a crawl. SK starter Ken Kadokura was able to keep the Doosan offense off-balance for most of the evening. Kadokura tossed 6 innings(111 pitches, 74 strikes) of 1-run baseball. Kadokura allowed 9 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5. SK shortstop Na Ji-hwan enjoyed a solid evening at the plate. Na finished 2-4 with a double, a homer, 3 RBIs and 1 run scored. SK right fielder Park Jae-hong lead off the game with a solo homer. Park went 2-4 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored.
Samsung 11, Lotte 8
W - Baek Jeong-hyeon (1-0), L - Bae Jang-ho (1-1)
This game was everything that I hate about the KBO. This game took over 4 hours to finish! What person under the age of 30 is going to have the patience to watch a 4-hour baseball game? If you give your average Korean middle school student a choice to watch a 4-hour baseball game or go to the PC room with his buddies for 4-hours, he's probably not going to choose the ballgame.
This game was reasonably close until Lotte reliever Kim Il-yeob started throwing meatballs. Kim gave up homers upon entering and before leaving the game. Samsung 1st baseman Chae Tae-in went 3-4 with a walk, a homer 4 RBIs and 1 run scored. Third baseman Park Seok-min hit his 20th homer of the season while going 1-3 with a walk 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. Lotte DH and potential batting champ Hong Seong-heun helped his case by going 3-6 with a double 3 RBIs and 1 run scored. I have no interest in discussing this game any further. Too many painful memories. I just remember looking at my watch and seeing that it was 9pm and this game was only in the 6th inning. The horror.
Hanhwa 7, KIA 1
W - Ahn Yeong-myeong (9-7), L - Lee Dae-jin (2-5)
It's amazing what happens when a team gets a quality start AND the offense shows up in the same game. Hanhwa starter Ahn Yeong-myeong threw 6 scoreless innings(102 pitches, 62 strikes). Ahn gave up only 4 hits and 5 walks while striking out 6. The Hanhwa offense pummeled KIA starter Lee Dae-jin throughout his 4 1/3 innings of work. DH Lee Yeong-woo lead the charge for Hanhwa. Lee went 2-4 with a double and 4 RBIs.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
8/26 Roundup and News
Despite the awkward title, this article from Kang Seung-woo at the Korea Times on the KIA Tigers is fairly in depth. I wish he would have spent more time discussing MVP candidate Kim Sang-hyeon.
Rumors are swirling about Bobby Valentine coming to LG next season. I think Bobby would first have to rule out a return to Major League Baseball before even considering coming to Korea.
On to the roundup...
It was a dull night in the KBO. Doosan/SK and LG/Seoul Heroes were both washed out and the other two games were blowouts. Ho hum.
I think they were bored in Seoul last night...
Samsung 10, Lotte 1
W - Brandon Knight (5-0), L - Lee Yong-hoon (5-7)
The Samsung offense jumped all over the Giants in the early innings and Brandon Knight was able to cruise to an easy W. For some reason, Samsung corner infielder Park Seok-min(.275/.412/.576) was batting 9th. Whatever frustrations he had, he took out on the Lotte pitching staff. Park went 2-4 with a walk, 2 homers, 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored. Samsung DH Kang Bong-gyu(.311/.404/.508) and left fielder Choi Hyeong-woo(.299/.391/.528) both hit solo homers in the 1st inning. Samsung starting pitcher Brandon Knight(2.53 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) tossed 7 solid innings(97 pitches, 61 strikes) of 1-run baseball. Knight allowed only 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8. Knight's only mistake was a pitch in the 2nd inning that Lotte 3rd baseman Lee Dae-ho(.297/.386/.543) put over the fence for a solo homer. Can you say "playing for a contract"?
KIA 11, Hanhwa 1
W - Yang Hyeon-jong (10-5), L - Jeong Jong-min (0-2)
This game was eerily similar to the Samsung/Lotte game. The only difference was that KIA's #9 hitter only homered once. KIA shortstop Lee Hyeon-gon(.266/.335/.331) connected for a 3-run blast in the 7th inning to cap KIA's 11-run outburst. Lee finished 2-4 with 3 RBIs and 1 run scored. In the innings before Lee's blast, the KIA offense was carried by 3rd baseman and possible 2009 MVP Kim Sang-hyeon(.305/.366/.608). Kim went 2-5 with a homer, 5 RBI and 1 run scored. KIA starting pitcher Yang Hyeong-jong(3.19 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) also tossed 7 innings(85 pitches, 55 strikes) of 1-run baseball. Yang gave up only 2 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6.
Rumors are swirling about Bobby Valentine coming to LG next season. I think Bobby would first have to rule out a return to Major League Baseball before even considering coming to Korea.
On to the roundup...
It was a dull night in the KBO. Doosan/SK and LG/Seoul Heroes were both washed out and the other two games were blowouts. Ho hum.
I think they were bored in Seoul last night...
Samsung 10, Lotte 1
W - Brandon Knight (5-0), L - Lee Yong-hoon (5-7)
The Samsung offense jumped all over the Giants in the early innings and Brandon Knight was able to cruise to an easy W. For some reason, Samsung corner infielder Park Seok-min(.275/.412/.576) was batting 9th. Whatever frustrations he had, he took out on the Lotte pitching staff. Park went 2-4 with a walk, 2 homers, 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored. Samsung DH Kang Bong-gyu(.311/.404/.508) and left fielder Choi Hyeong-woo(.299/.391/.528) both hit solo homers in the 1st inning. Samsung starting pitcher Brandon Knight(2.53 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) tossed 7 solid innings(97 pitches, 61 strikes) of 1-run baseball. Knight allowed only 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8. Knight's only mistake was a pitch in the 2nd inning that Lotte 3rd baseman Lee Dae-ho(.297/.386/.543) put over the fence for a solo homer. Can you say "playing for a contract"?
KIA 11, Hanhwa 1
W - Yang Hyeon-jong (10-5), L - Jeong Jong-min (0-2)
This game was eerily similar to the Samsung/Lotte game. The only difference was that KIA's #9 hitter only homered once. KIA shortstop Lee Hyeon-gon(.266/.335/.331) connected for a 3-run blast in the 7th inning to cap KIA's 11-run outburst. Lee finished 2-4 with 3 RBIs and 1 run scored. In the innings before Lee's blast, the KIA offense was carried by 3rd baseman and possible 2009 MVP Kim Sang-hyeon(.305/.366/.608). Kim went 2-5 with a homer, 5 RBI and 1 run scored. KIA starting pitcher Yang Hyeong-jong(3.19 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) also tossed 7 innings(85 pitches, 55 strikes) of 1-run baseball. Yang gave up only 2 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
8/25 Roundup and News
Oh Myung-chul of the Joongang Ilbo gives us a reasonably in depth look at the home run race. I'd like to see Choi Hee-seop make a run at the title, but Kim Sang-hyeon looks like the clear favorite.
On to the roundup...
Seoul Heroes 5, LG 4
W - Hwang Doo-seong (5-2), L - Bong Jung-geun (10-11), S - Kang Yoon-guh (1)
Hrm. That's how I felt about this game. I was expecting more from Hwang(2.81 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) and Bong(3.39 ERA, 1.24 WHIP). LG ace Bong Jung-geun looked fairly human during his 5 innings(86 pitches, 46 strikes) of work last night. Bong allowed 4 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks while only striking out 3. Heroes starter Hwang Doo-seong wasn't much better. Hwang lasted 5 2/3 innings(91 pitches, 60 strikes), but only allowed 3 runs(2 earned) on 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2. LG 3rd baseman Jeong Seong-hoon(.303/.383/.433) enjoyed a solid day at the plate. Jeong went 3-5 with 3 RBIs. Heroes 2nd baseman Kim Il-kyeong(.265/.336/.326) got the game ball for the Heroes. Kim went 2-3 with a walk, 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. This game was by far the least interesting of the evening...moving on.
SK 3, Doosan 2 (10)
W - Yoon Gil-hyeon (3-0), L - Kim Sang-hyeon (4-6)
This game had a quite the subplot. CJ Nitkowski(4.82 ERA, 1.56 WHIP) wasn't only pitching against the team that released him, but he was opposed by the foreign guy that replaced him on the roster. CJ pitched about as well as a converted reliever could have. CJ tossed 5 innings(110 pitches, 62 strikes) of 2-run baseball. CJ allowed 5 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 5. SK starter Gary Glover(2.54 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) got the better of CJ, but was still stuck with an ND. The Glove tossed 8 innings(125 pitches, 83 strikes) and allowed only 2 runs. Gary gave up 3 hits and 1 walk while striking out a season high, 12 batters. Every time Gary needed a big strikeout, he got it. He left everything on the field last night. The game was tied at 2 at the end of 9 innings. In the bottom of the 10th, SK DH Kim Jae-hyeon(.299/.424/.436) was hit by a Kim Sang-hyeon curveball to lead off the inning. Kim advanced to 2nd on catcher Jeong Sang-ho's sacrifice bunt. The next batter, SK shortstop Na Ju-hwan(.283/.356/.410), drilled a line drive over the head of Doosan center fielder Lee Jong-wook for a walk-off single. Na was mobbed by his teammates. He was then kicked, doused with rosin and doused with water.
A big highlight of the last few innings were a pair of high school age girls that were constantly cut to during the broadcast. One was a Doosan fan and the other was an SK fan. Every time something would happen, we'd get a shot of them on the TV along with their reaction. Their biggest highlight was when one of their friends finally called them to tell them they were on TV. They both hid behind their stix. The whole ordeal was painfully cute.
Lotte 7, Samsung 5
W - Song Seung-joon (12-6), L - Francisco Cruceta (8-7), S - Jon Adkins (23)
Lotte pummeled Francisco Cruceta(4.44 ERA, 1.58 WHIP) for 5 runs in the 1st inning. Most of the damage came on a 3-run blast from Karim Garcia(.256/.345/.486). Cruceta was able to shake off the rocky start and stick around. Cruceta managed to last 6 innings, but Fast Frankie was charged with 6 runs, all earned. Song Seung-joon(4.54 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) has reverted back to the 5 inning-pitch count monster he's always been during his career. I don't know where his amazing June came from. Song tossed 5 innings of 3-run baseball. Song allowed 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6. Lotte DH Hong Seong-heun(.380/.440/.554) continued his march toward a batting title with a 3-5, 2 RBI, 1 run scored performance. Jon Adkins(4.20 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) struck out 2 during a scoreless 9th to earn the save.
KIA 2, Hanhwa 1
W - Seo Jae-wong (4-3), L - Ryu Hyeon-jin (9-11), S - Son Yeong-min (1)
Now, this is the kind of game that makes me smile. Two pitchers with legit good stuff locked in a duel. Ryu Hyeon-jin(3.97 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) stuck around longer, but Seo Jae-wong(5.51 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) got a little help from the KIA offense and a lot of help from reliever Son Yeong-min(3.10 ERA, 1.02 WHIP). Ryu tossed 8 innings(129 pitches, 71 strikes) of 2-run baseball. The Hanhwa ace allowed 3 hits and 6 walks while striking out 5. Seo Jae-wong only lasted 6 innings(91 pitches, 57 strikes), but he only allowed 1 run. Seo gave up 3 hits and 1 walk while striking out 7. Hanhwa jumped out to an early lead thanks to a solo homer from slugger Kim Tae-gyun(.319/.400/.547) in the 2nd inning. KIA tied the game on shortstop Lee Hyeon-gon's(.262/.333/.319) sac fly in the 5th inning. The Tigers took the lead in the 6th on a solo homer from right fielder Lee Jong-beom(.276/.340/.380). KIA reliever Son Yeong-min threw 3 innings of scoreless relief to earn the save. Son gave up 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out 5.
On to the roundup...
Seoul Heroes 5, LG 4
W - Hwang Doo-seong (5-2), L - Bong Jung-geun (10-11), S - Kang Yoon-guh (1)
Hrm. That's how I felt about this game. I was expecting more from Hwang(2.81 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) and Bong(3.39 ERA, 1.24 WHIP). LG ace Bong Jung-geun looked fairly human during his 5 innings(86 pitches, 46 strikes) of work last night. Bong allowed 4 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks while only striking out 3. Heroes starter Hwang Doo-seong wasn't much better. Hwang lasted 5 2/3 innings(91 pitches, 60 strikes), but only allowed 3 runs(2 earned) on 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2. LG 3rd baseman Jeong Seong-hoon(.303/.383/.433) enjoyed a solid day at the plate. Jeong went 3-5 with 3 RBIs. Heroes 2nd baseman Kim Il-kyeong(.265/.336/.326) got the game ball for the Heroes. Kim went 2-3 with a walk, 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. This game was by far the least interesting of the evening...moving on.
SK 3, Doosan 2 (10)
W - Yoon Gil-hyeon (3-0), L - Kim Sang-hyeon (4-6)
This game had a quite the subplot. CJ Nitkowski(4.82 ERA, 1.56 WHIP) wasn't only pitching against the team that released him, but he was opposed by the foreign guy that replaced him on the roster. CJ pitched about as well as a converted reliever could have. CJ tossed 5 innings(110 pitches, 62 strikes) of 2-run baseball. CJ allowed 5 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 5. SK starter Gary Glover(2.54 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) got the better of CJ, but was still stuck with an ND. The Glove tossed 8 innings(125 pitches, 83 strikes) and allowed only 2 runs. Gary gave up 3 hits and 1 walk while striking out a season high, 12 batters. Every time Gary needed a big strikeout, he got it. He left everything on the field last night. The game was tied at 2 at the end of 9 innings. In the bottom of the 10th, SK DH Kim Jae-hyeon(.299/.424/.436) was hit by a Kim Sang-hyeon curveball to lead off the inning. Kim advanced to 2nd on catcher Jeong Sang-ho's sacrifice bunt. The next batter, SK shortstop Na Ju-hwan(.283/.356/.410), drilled a line drive over the head of Doosan center fielder Lee Jong-wook for a walk-off single. Na was mobbed by his teammates. He was then kicked, doused with rosin and doused with water.
A big highlight of the last few innings were a pair of high school age girls that were constantly cut to during the broadcast. One was a Doosan fan and the other was an SK fan. Every time something would happen, we'd get a shot of them on the TV along with their reaction. Their biggest highlight was when one of their friends finally called them to tell them they were on TV. They both hid behind their stix. The whole ordeal was painfully cute.
Lotte 7, Samsung 5
W - Song Seung-joon (12-6), L - Francisco Cruceta (8-7), S - Jon Adkins (23)
Lotte pummeled Francisco Cruceta(4.44 ERA, 1.58 WHIP) for 5 runs in the 1st inning. Most of the damage came on a 3-run blast from Karim Garcia(.256/.345/.486). Cruceta was able to shake off the rocky start and stick around. Cruceta managed to last 6 innings, but Fast Frankie was charged with 6 runs, all earned. Song Seung-joon(4.54 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) has reverted back to the 5 inning-pitch count monster he's always been during his career. I don't know where his amazing June came from. Song tossed 5 innings of 3-run baseball. Song allowed 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6. Lotte DH Hong Seong-heun(.380/.440/.554) continued his march toward a batting title with a 3-5, 2 RBI, 1 run scored performance. Jon Adkins(4.20 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) struck out 2 during a scoreless 9th to earn the save.
KIA 2, Hanhwa 1
W - Seo Jae-wong (4-3), L - Ryu Hyeon-jin (9-11), S - Son Yeong-min (1)
Now, this is the kind of game that makes me smile. Two pitchers with legit good stuff locked in a duel. Ryu Hyeon-jin(3.97 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) stuck around longer, but Seo Jae-wong(5.51 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) got a little help from the KIA offense and a lot of help from reliever Son Yeong-min(3.10 ERA, 1.02 WHIP). Ryu tossed 8 innings(129 pitches, 71 strikes) of 2-run baseball. The Hanhwa ace allowed 3 hits and 6 walks while striking out 5. Seo Jae-wong only lasted 6 innings(91 pitches, 57 strikes), but he only allowed 1 run. Seo gave up 3 hits and 1 walk while striking out 7. Hanhwa jumped out to an early lead thanks to a solo homer from slugger Kim Tae-gyun(.319/.400/.547) in the 2nd inning. KIA tied the game on shortstop Lee Hyeon-gon's(.262/.333/.319) sac fly in the 5th inning. The Tigers took the lead in the 6th on a solo homer from right fielder Lee Jong-beom(.276/.340/.380). KIA reliever Son Yeong-min threw 3 innings of scoreless relief to earn the save. Son gave up 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out 5.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
8/21 - 8/23 Weekend Roundup: Lotte vs. LG
8/21 - LG 8, Lotte 7
8/22 - LG 7, Lotte 6
8/23 - Lotte 6, LG 3
Friday's game is the exact kind of baseball I loathe watching. It was a slow, plodding, painfully dull game. LG actually trailed 3-1 heading into the 6th inning. With one run already in and runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out, 1st baseman Park Byeon-ho ripped a double off the wall to tie the game at 3. A throwing error allowed LG to take their first lead of the game. The two teams would trade leads for the next few innings, until the game was tied at 5 heading into the 8th inning. With one out and the bases loaded, LG center fielder Lee Dae-hyeong laced a single through the middle to score a pair of runs and give LG a 7-5 advantage. LG tacked on an insurance run in the 9th. In the bottom of the 9th, Lotte fake rallied for 2 runs. With one out and the bases loaded, 1st baseman Park Jong-yoon lined out to right for the 2nd out. The next batter, 2nd baseman Jeong Bo-myeong, grounded out to short to end the game.
Saturday's game was eerily similar to Friday's. LG fell behind early, rallied in the late innings and somehow managed not to blow the game in the 9th. Lotte corner infielder Lee Dae-ho and catcher Kang Min-ho put the Lotte offense on their backs. Lee went 3-3 with 2 HBP's, a double, 2 homers, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Kang finished 3-4 with a double, 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. With the score tied at 5 in the 7th inning, Roberto Petagine put the Twins up for good with a 2-run homer. LG closer Lee Jae-yeong gave up Lee Dae-ho's 2nd home run of the game in the 9th inning, but managed to record the correct number of outs before allowing the Giants to tie or take the lead.
Lotte got a quality start from Cho Jeong-hoon and turned it into a W with a little offense. Cho tossed 7 innings of 3 run baseball. Cho allowed 7 hits and 3 walks while striking out 8. Lotte reliever Lee Jeong-hoon threw 2 scoreless innings of relief for the save. Lee Dae-ho carried the Lotte offense again on Sunday. Lee went 3-5 with 2 more homers, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Lee was the one Giant that was sad to see the Twins leave town. Roberto Petagine was one of the few bright spots for the Twins on Sunday. Roberto went 1-2 with two walks and a 2-run homer.
8/22 - LG 7, Lotte 6
8/23 - Lotte 6, LG 3
Friday's game is the exact kind of baseball I loathe watching. It was a slow, plodding, painfully dull game. LG actually trailed 3-1 heading into the 6th inning. With one run already in and runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out, 1st baseman Park Byeon-ho ripped a double off the wall to tie the game at 3. A throwing error allowed LG to take their first lead of the game. The two teams would trade leads for the next few innings, until the game was tied at 5 heading into the 8th inning. With one out and the bases loaded, LG center fielder Lee Dae-hyeong laced a single through the middle to score a pair of runs and give LG a 7-5 advantage. LG tacked on an insurance run in the 9th. In the bottom of the 9th, Lotte fake rallied for 2 runs. With one out and the bases loaded, 1st baseman Park Jong-yoon lined out to right for the 2nd out. The next batter, 2nd baseman Jeong Bo-myeong, grounded out to short to end the game.
Saturday's game was eerily similar to Friday's. LG fell behind early, rallied in the late innings and somehow managed not to blow the game in the 9th. Lotte corner infielder Lee Dae-ho and catcher Kang Min-ho put the Lotte offense on their backs. Lee went 3-3 with 2 HBP's, a double, 2 homers, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Kang finished 3-4 with a double, 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. With the score tied at 5 in the 7th inning, Roberto Petagine put the Twins up for good with a 2-run homer. LG closer Lee Jae-yeong gave up Lee Dae-ho's 2nd home run of the game in the 9th inning, but managed to record the correct number of outs before allowing the Giants to tie or take the lead.
Lotte got a quality start from Cho Jeong-hoon and turned it into a W with a little offense. Cho tossed 7 innings of 3 run baseball. Cho allowed 7 hits and 3 walks while striking out 8. Lotte reliever Lee Jeong-hoon threw 2 scoreless innings of relief for the save. Lee Dae-ho carried the Lotte offense again on Sunday. Lee went 3-5 with 2 more homers, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Lee was the one Giant that was sad to see the Twins leave town. Roberto Petagine was one of the few bright spots for the Twins on Sunday. Roberto went 1-2 with two walks and a 2-run homer.
8/21 - 8/23 Weekend Roundup: SK vs. KIA
8/21 - KIA 8, SK 4
8/22 - KIA 11, SK 4
8/23 - KIA 2, SK 1
I'm willing to officially write off SK after a sweep at the hands of KIA. When SK ace Kim Kwang-hyeon walked off the field with a broken hand, he took SK's 3-peat hopes with him. The team is 8-8 since Kim broke his hand and they've fallen to 3rd place. 5 of the 8 losses have come in direct competition with the Tigers.
On Friday night Rick Guttormson ate up 5 1/3 innings while the KIA offense battered SK starter Ken Kadokura and reliever Lee Seung-ho. With the score tied at 4 in the 8th inning, Na Ji-hwan hit a pinch-hit grand slam to put the Tigers on top for good. KIA 3rd baseman and potential MVP candidate Kim Sang-hyeon finished the day 2-3 with a walk, 2 homers, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. I'm officially started the Kim Sang-hyeon MVP bandwagon. Good seats still available. At present Kim is leading the league with 27 homers and 99(!) RBIs.
The KIA offense continued to roll on Saturday and Senor Smoke, Aquilino Lopez, was able to cruise to another W. Lopez tossed 7 innings of 2-run baseball. He gave up 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8. Lopez is a making a legit case for a Golden Glove(not the best fielder like in the US, but a "best at his position award). The KIA outfield stepped up big time in this game. Kim Won-seop went 2-3 with 2 walks, a homer, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored. Left fielder Jeong Sang-ho went 3-3 with 2 walks, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored. Nothing remotely good or interesting happened for the 2-time defending champs.
On Sunday, Kim Sang-hyeon hit a solo homer in the 3rd inning to give KIA a 2-0 advantage. That would be all the scoring the Tigers would need or get. KIA starter Yoon Seok-min bullied the Wyverns for 7 2/3 innings. Yoon allowed 1 run on 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 9. KIA reliever Yoo Dong-hoon recorded the final 4 outs for the save. The Wyverns bullpen gave a valiant effort after SK starting pitcher Song Eun-beom was removed after the 4th inning. 5 different Wyverns pitchers combined to throw 5 scoreless innings. Lee Seung-ho threw 3 scoreless. The Wyverns went with an "All-Hand-On-Deck-Approach." Gary Glover tossed 2/3 of an inning and is scheduled to start on Tuesday.
8/22 - KIA 11, SK 4
8/23 - KIA 2, SK 1
I'm willing to officially write off SK after a sweep at the hands of KIA. When SK ace Kim Kwang-hyeon walked off the field with a broken hand, he took SK's 3-peat hopes with him. The team is 8-8 since Kim broke his hand and they've fallen to 3rd place. 5 of the 8 losses have come in direct competition with the Tigers.
On Friday night Rick Guttormson ate up 5 1/3 innings while the KIA offense battered SK starter Ken Kadokura and reliever Lee Seung-ho. With the score tied at 4 in the 8th inning, Na Ji-hwan hit a pinch-hit grand slam to put the Tigers on top for good. KIA 3rd baseman and potential MVP candidate Kim Sang-hyeon finished the day 2-3 with a walk, 2 homers, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. I'm officially started the Kim Sang-hyeon MVP bandwagon. Good seats still available. At present Kim is leading the league with 27 homers and 99(!) RBIs.
The KIA offense continued to roll on Saturday and Senor Smoke, Aquilino Lopez, was able to cruise to another W. Lopez tossed 7 innings of 2-run baseball. He gave up 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8. Lopez is a making a legit case for a Golden Glove(not the best fielder like in the US, but a "best at his position award). The KIA outfield stepped up big time in this game. Kim Won-seop went 2-3 with 2 walks, a homer, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored. Left fielder Jeong Sang-ho went 3-3 with 2 walks, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored. Nothing remotely good or interesting happened for the 2-time defending champs.
On Sunday, Kim Sang-hyeon hit a solo homer in the 3rd inning to give KIA a 2-0 advantage. That would be all the scoring the Tigers would need or get. KIA starter Yoon Seok-min bullied the Wyverns for 7 2/3 innings. Yoon allowed 1 run on 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 9. KIA reliever Yoo Dong-hoon recorded the final 4 outs for the save. The Wyverns bullpen gave a valiant effort after SK starting pitcher Song Eun-beom was removed after the 4th inning. 5 different Wyverns pitchers combined to throw 5 scoreless innings. Lee Seung-ho threw 3 scoreless. The Wyverns went with an "All-Hand-On-Deck-Approach." Gary Glover tossed 2/3 of an inning and is scheduled to start on Tuesday.
Monday, August 24, 2009
8/21 - 8/23 Weekend Roundup: Seoul Heroes vs. Hanhwa
8/21 - Hanhwa 9, Heroes 4
8/22 - Heroes 4, Hanhwa 2
8/23 - Hanhwa 8, Heroes 5
A Hanhwa pitcher, not Ryu Hyeon-jin, threw 5 1/3 shutout innings. That doesn't happen very often. Ahn Yeong-myeong recorded 16 outs without giving up a run. Ahn only gave up 1 hit and 3 walks while striking out 4. For the season Ahn has given up 27 homers in only 112 2/3 innings. Yikes. Of course the Hanhwa bullpen came in and gave up 4 runs, but by that point Hanhwa was up 9-0. The Eagles banged out 13 hits and drew 8 walks. WBC hero Lee Beom-ho finished 2-5 with a homer, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored.
Heroes starter Kim Su-kyeong put the team on his back and carried them for 7 2/3 innings. Kim gave up only 2 solo homers during his 114-pitch outing. Kim gave up only 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 1. Both DH Kim Tae-wan and 1st baseman Kim Tae-gyun took Kim Su-kyeong out of the ballpark. Heroes catcher Kang Gui-tae drove in a pair of runs with a single in the 2nd inning.
Sunday's game was an effort to watch. It was your typical KBO grindfest with approximately 264 pitching changes. The Eagles took a team approach to offense on Sunday. 7 different Eagles drove in runs. Shortstop Song Kwang-min drove in 2 while going 2-5 with a double. The Heroes offense was lead by its #1 and #9 hitters. 3rd baseman Hwang Jae-gyun and shortstop Kang Jeong-ho combined to go 4-9 with 2 homers, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Games like this make me wish I were still in Chicago watching my beloved White Sox. Hmmm, maybe not.
8/22 - Heroes 4, Hanhwa 2
8/23 - Hanhwa 8, Heroes 5
A Hanhwa pitcher, not Ryu Hyeon-jin, threw 5 1/3 shutout innings. That doesn't happen very often. Ahn Yeong-myeong recorded 16 outs without giving up a run. Ahn only gave up 1 hit and 3 walks while striking out 4. For the season Ahn has given up 27 homers in only 112 2/3 innings. Yikes. Of course the Hanhwa bullpen came in and gave up 4 runs, but by that point Hanhwa was up 9-0. The Eagles banged out 13 hits and drew 8 walks. WBC hero Lee Beom-ho finished 2-5 with a homer, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored.
Heroes starter Kim Su-kyeong put the team on his back and carried them for 7 2/3 innings. Kim gave up only 2 solo homers during his 114-pitch outing. Kim gave up only 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 1. Both DH Kim Tae-wan and 1st baseman Kim Tae-gyun took Kim Su-kyeong out of the ballpark. Heroes catcher Kang Gui-tae drove in a pair of runs with a single in the 2nd inning.
Sunday's game was an effort to watch. It was your typical KBO grindfest with approximately 264 pitching changes. The Eagles took a team approach to offense on Sunday. 7 different Eagles drove in runs. Shortstop Song Kwang-min drove in 2 while going 2-5 with a double. The Heroes offense was lead by its #1 and #9 hitters. 3rd baseman Hwang Jae-gyun and shortstop Kang Jeong-ho combined to go 4-9 with 2 homers, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Games like this make me wish I were still in Chicago watching my beloved White Sox. Hmmm, maybe not.
8/21 - 8/23 Weekend Roundup: Doosan vs. Samsung
8/21 - Samsung 4, Doosan 1
8/22 - Doosan 12, Samsung 5
8/23 - Doosan 5, Samsung 4
I'm really impressed with Brandon Knight. When Korean teams add foreign players during the season, it usually doesn't work out. The Samsung starter has posted a 2.88 ERA and a 4-0 record in his first month in Korea. His WHIP sits at 1.32. If his WHIP remains that high, his ERA will undoubtably rise. There were no signs of a correction on Friday. Knight dominated the Doosan Bears for 7 innings on Friday night. He allowed 1 run on 5 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 5.
The correction came for Samsung on Saturday. For some reason, the Lions used 4 pitchers that weren't on the roster in April. These guys...looked awful. The professional Bears feasted on the minor league Lions. The Bears banged out 15 hits and drew 5 walks. Bears shortstop and #9 hitter Kim Jae-ho lead the way with a 3-4, 4 RBI, 2-run performance. Right fielder Lim Jae-cheol finished 2-3 with a walk, 1 RBI and 3 runs scored.
Sunday's game actually stung a little. I watched Samsung "ace" Yoon Seong-hwan gut his way through 6 innings and leave the game with a 4-3 lead. As soon as Yoon left the game, the Lions gave up the lead. The usually solid, but terribly over worked Kwon Hyeok gave up 2 runs in the 7th and the Doosan bullpen kept the Lions off the scoreboard in the 8th and 9th innings. Doosan closer Lee Yong-chan recorded the final out to record the vulture save. Doosan DH and MVP candidate Kim Hyeon-su enjoyed his biggest game of the series. Kim went 2-4 with a homer, 3 RBI and 1 run scored. His solo homer put the Bears on the scoreboard in the 1st inning. Samsung's 4 runs came on a pair of 2-run homers. 1st baseman Chae Tae-in hit a homer in the 2nd inning and 2008 ROY Choi Hyeong-woo went yard in the 3rd inning.
8/22 - Doosan 12, Samsung 5
8/23 - Doosan 5, Samsung 4
I'm really impressed with Brandon Knight. When Korean teams add foreign players during the season, it usually doesn't work out. The Samsung starter has posted a 2.88 ERA and a 4-0 record in his first month in Korea. His WHIP sits at 1.32. If his WHIP remains that high, his ERA will undoubtably rise. There were no signs of a correction on Friday. Knight dominated the Doosan Bears for 7 innings on Friday night. He allowed 1 run on 5 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 5.
The correction came for Samsung on Saturday. For some reason, the Lions used 4 pitchers that weren't on the roster in April. These guys...looked awful. The professional Bears feasted on the minor league Lions. The Bears banged out 15 hits and drew 5 walks. Bears shortstop and #9 hitter Kim Jae-ho lead the way with a 3-4, 4 RBI, 2-run performance. Right fielder Lim Jae-cheol finished 2-3 with a walk, 1 RBI and 3 runs scored.
Sunday's game actually stung a little. I watched Samsung "ace" Yoon Seong-hwan gut his way through 6 innings and leave the game with a 4-3 lead. As soon as Yoon left the game, the Lions gave up the lead. The usually solid, but terribly over worked Kwon Hyeok gave up 2 runs in the 7th and the Doosan bullpen kept the Lions off the scoreboard in the 8th and 9th innings. Doosan closer Lee Yong-chan recorded the final out to record the vulture save. Doosan DH and MVP candidate Kim Hyeon-su enjoyed his biggest game of the series. Kim went 2-4 with a homer, 3 RBI and 1 run scored. His solo homer put the Bears on the scoreboard in the 1st inning. Samsung's 4 runs came on a pair of 2-run homers. 1st baseman Chae Tae-in hit a homer in the 2nd inning and 2008 ROY Choi Hyeong-woo went yard in the 3rd inning.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Regularly Scheduled Programming Will Resume Shortly...
I just got back from 2 weeks in Chicago and I'd like to send a big thank you to Simon for updating while I was away.
I did get to watch my beloved White Sox in person and I have to say, I'm worried. We have to count on Contreras and Garcia twice a week? Really? This is the best we could do? Our outfield defense is the 2nd worst in the MLB. Only the Cubs are worse at playing outfield D than my Sox. It's a good thing that Fukudome is too polite and Asian to say anything to Meltdown Bradley or Soriano. IF someone could talk Ozzie into DHing Carlos Quentin and playing Scott Podsednik in left, we might be league average. Thanks to his foot injury, Carlos has played left field with the energy of my dad getting out of bed in the morning. Dad still moves pretty well, but mornings can be an effort. I'm also still waiting for Alexei Ramirez to prove he's a MLB-level shortstop. He's starting to get a rep as a headcase. Warts aside, if this Sox team makes the playoffs, they'll be dangerous. Going with Peavy, Buerhle and Danks in a short series? Only the Red Sox have a frontline to match that and they might not make the playoffs. We've also got enough offense to make us dangerous. I worry about the bench. When Jason Nix is your best option it's time to keep looking. The joke around town is that Mark Buerhle's gift to Dewayne Wise for "The Catch" was that he'd stay on the 25-man roster for the rest of the year. Enough about the Sox, on to a very abbreviated roundup because I'm jet lagged and ready to lie down...
Hanhwa/Samsung and KIA/Seoul Heroes were both washed out last night. I guess the peninsula was wet last night. Incheon was beautiful.
Doosan 12, LG 3
W - Lim Tae-hoon (11-4), L - No Jin-yong (0-1)
SK 11, Lotte 8
W - Jeon Byeong-do (7-4), L - Jon Adkins (3-4)
I'm sorry, but as I'm typing this I'm falling asleep. I'll be back on Monday with a full roundup. Pics and everything, I promise. I should have spent more time writing about the KBO than my beloved White Sox.
I did get to watch my beloved White Sox in person and I have to say, I'm worried. We have to count on Contreras and Garcia twice a week? Really? This is the best we could do? Our outfield defense is the 2nd worst in the MLB. Only the Cubs are worse at playing outfield D than my Sox. It's a good thing that Fukudome is too polite and Asian to say anything to Meltdown Bradley or Soriano. IF someone could talk Ozzie into DHing Carlos Quentin and playing Scott Podsednik in left, we might be league average. Thanks to his foot injury, Carlos has played left field with the energy of my dad getting out of bed in the morning. Dad still moves pretty well, but mornings can be an effort. I'm also still waiting for Alexei Ramirez to prove he's a MLB-level shortstop. He's starting to get a rep as a headcase. Warts aside, if this Sox team makes the playoffs, they'll be dangerous. Going with Peavy, Buerhle and Danks in a short series? Only the Red Sox have a frontline to match that and they might not make the playoffs. We've also got enough offense to make us dangerous. I worry about the bench. When Jason Nix is your best option it's time to keep looking. The joke around town is that Mark Buerhle's gift to Dewayne Wise for "The Catch" was that he'd stay on the 25-man roster for the rest of the year. Enough about the Sox, on to a very abbreviated roundup because I'm jet lagged and ready to lie down...
Hanhwa/Samsung and KIA/Seoul Heroes were both washed out last night. I guess the peninsula was wet last night. Incheon was beautiful.
Doosan 12, LG 3
W - Lim Tae-hoon (11-4), L - No Jin-yong (0-1)
SK 11, Lotte 8
W - Jeon Byeong-do (7-4), L - Jon Adkins (3-4)
I'm sorry, but as I'm typing this I'm falling asleep. I'll be back on Monday with a full roundup. Pics and everything, I promise. I should have spent more time writing about the KBO than my beloved White Sox.
Monday, August 17, 2009
8/16 Roundup
August 16 Games:
Lotte Giants 5, LG Twins 4 @ Jamshil
WP: Jang Won-jun
LP: Lee Seung-woo
Lotte jumped on the Twins early knocking in 4 runs and chasing LG starter Lee off the mound after just .2 innings. Twins rallied in their half of the 9th with a sac fly and a 2 run home run but fell short. Hong Seong-heun, Lotte's MVP candidate, got on base on every at-bat but was only responsible for a single point. It was Lotte's less heralded players that were responsible for most of the work as stars Lee Dae-ho and Karim Garcia were kept hitless and pointless.
Kia Tigers 10, Samsung Lions 8 @ Daegu
WP: Yang Hyun-jong
LP: Cha Woo-chan
The KIA TRAIN is on cruise control (do trains have cruise control?) as they mow down another team tied down on the traintracks. Cha Woo-chan lasted 2 innings as the Tigers scored 6 points against him, and 4 more before the 3rd inning ended (after he was chased). I have been noticing that Kia lets their opponents rally before finally beating them. Samsung had a few hits and RBI's in their half of the 6th. But an L's an L and a W's a W and unfortunately for the blue team, the Tigers took the W home this night.
Hanhwa Eagles 4, SK Wyverns 3
WP: Yun Gyu-jin
LP: Lim Seong-hun
Hanhwa actually won a game for the second time this month. But unfortunately for Hanhwa the win was against SK so this feat is going almost unnoticed. The game went into extras before Kim Min-jae knocked in the winning run with a base hit up right. I'm trying very hard not to make any Hanhwa or SK jokes here. It's very difficult because these teams are very easy to make fun of. I'll just end this re-cap by saying.. Hanhwa looked very orange, and nobody in the English speaking world still knows what a "wyvern" is (that makes SK smarter than the entire English speaking world because they know words we don't, BRAVO!).
Heroes 7, Doosan Bears 6 @ Mok-dong
WP: Lee Bo-geun
LP: R. Sedeno
Jeong Su-seong was the Hero of the Heroes after knocking in the winning run in their half of the 11th. Sloppy batting and pitching on both sides made this win a win of the less losery. But Doug Clark seems to be doing extremely well, if under the radar, well under my radar at least. But nobody cares too much about the Heroes either so maybe that's why. He had a home run in this game again (seems like he hits a home run every game, at least every game I see) and 2 RBI's. He has 22 HR's on the season and 75 RBI's.
Here's a link to a local write up about our man:
http://www.masslive.com/westernmasssportsjournal/index.ssf/2009/03/overtime_clarks_korean_baseball_odyssey.html
Standings as of 8/17:
Fighting!!
Lotte Giants 5, LG Twins 4 @ Jamshil
WP: Jang Won-jun
LP: Lee Seung-woo
Lotte jumped on the Twins early knocking in 4 runs and chasing LG starter Lee off the mound after just .2 innings. Twins rallied in their half of the 9th with a sac fly and a 2 run home run but fell short. Hong Seong-heun, Lotte's MVP candidate, got on base on every at-bat but was only responsible for a single point. It was Lotte's less heralded players that were responsible for most of the work as stars Lee Dae-ho and Karim Garcia were kept hitless and pointless.
Kia Tigers 10, Samsung Lions 8 @ Daegu
WP: Yang Hyun-jong
LP: Cha Woo-chan
The KIA TRAIN is on cruise control (do trains have cruise control?) as they mow down another team tied down on the traintracks. Cha Woo-chan lasted 2 innings as the Tigers scored 6 points against him, and 4 more before the 3rd inning ended (after he was chased). I have been noticing that Kia lets their opponents rally before finally beating them. Samsung had a few hits and RBI's in their half of the 6th. But an L's an L and a W's a W and unfortunately for the blue team, the Tigers took the W home this night.
Hanhwa Eagles 4, SK Wyverns 3
WP: Yun Gyu-jin
LP: Lim Seong-hun
Hanhwa actually won a game for the second time this month. But unfortunately for Hanhwa the win was against SK so this feat is going almost unnoticed. The game went into extras before Kim Min-jae knocked in the winning run with a base hit up right. I'm trying very hard not to make any Hanhwa or SK jokes here. It's very difficult because these teams are very easy to make fun of. I'll just end this re-cap by saying.. Hanhwa looked very orange, and nobody in the English speaking world still knows what a "wyvern" is (that makes SK smarter than the entire English speaking world because they know words we don't, BRAVO!).
Heroes 7, Doosan Bears 6 @ Mok-dong
WP: Lee Bo-geun
LP: R. Sedeno
Jeong Su-seong was the Hero of the Heroes after knocking in the winning run in their half of the 11th. Sloppy batting and pitching on both sides made this win a win of the less losery. But Doug Clark seems to be doing extremely well, if under the radar, well under my radar at least. But nobody cares too much about the Heroes either so maybe that's why. He had a home run in this game again (seems like he hits a home run every game, at least every game I see) and 2 RBI's. He has 22 HR's on the season and 75 RBI's.
Here's a link to a local write up about our man:
http://www.masslive.com/westernmasssportsjournal/index.ssf/2009/03/overtime_clarks_korean_baseball_odyssey.html
Standings as of 8/17:
- Kia Tigers: 61-39-4
- Doosan Bears: 58-43-2
- SK Wyverns: 58-44-5
- Lotte Giants: 56-53-0
- Samsung Lions: 53-53-0
- Heroes: 49-52-1
- LG Twins: 45-59-3
- Hanhwa Eagles: 32-69-3
Fighting!!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
8/12 Roundup
August 9 Games:
Kia Tigers 2, Lotte Giants 0 @ Gwangju
WP: Yun Suk-min
LP: Cho Jeong-hun
Yun definitely does not "suk." 5 shutout innings and his relievers did similar. Lotte hasn't scored against the KIA TRAIN in 2 games. Lotte's top hitters couldn't get on base except for a few walks. Is the KIA TRAIN for real??
Doosan Bears 10, Hanhwa Eagles 5 @ Jamsil
WP: Kim Seon-woo
LP: Yoo Won-sang
Easy win for the Bears after coming home from a road (that's funny) series with the Twins against who else but the Eagles. Eagles haven't won a game since August 1st. Lee Bum-ho hit a 3 run homer in the 6th to bring the Eagles to within 1. But when your uniform is orange and your name's written in Konglish on the back, chances for a win (seem to be) slim. The Eagles will lose again today.
SK Wyverns 6, LG Twins 3 @ Incheon
WP: Song Eum-bum
LP: Jeremy Johnson
LG outhit SK 11-10 in this game but still lost. SK won by scoring in the late innings. Nobody cared about this game.
Samsung Lions 9, Heroes 4 @ Mok-dong
WP: Yoon Seong-hwan
LP: Kim Yeong-min
Heroes had a close lead until the 7th when Samsung exploded and started scoring. They would have lost 1-0 if they didn't start to score. And fortunately for them, they're back in their playoff spot after Lotte lost. Both starting pitchers pitched very well. Yoon: 7 IP, 1 ER, 4 SO, Ma Il-yong: 6 shutout innings.
Standings as of August 13 (pre-game):
Kia Tigers 2, Lotte Giants 0 @ Gwangju
WP: Yun Suk-min
LP: Cho Jeong-hun
Yun definitely does not "suk." 5 shutout innings and his relievers did similar. Lotte hasn't scored against the KIA TRAIN in 2 games. Lotte's top hitters couldn't get on base except for a few walks. Is the KIA TRAIN for real??
Doosan Bears 10, Hanhwa Eagles 5 @ Jamsil
WP: Kim Seon-woo
LP: Yoo Won-sang
Easy win for the Bears after coming home from a road (that's funny) series with the Twins against who else but the Eagles. Eagles haven't won a game since August 1st. Lee Bum-ho hit a 3 run homer in the 6th to bring the Eagles to within 1. But when your uniform is orange and your name's written in Konglish on the back, chances for a win (seem to be) slim. The Eagles will lose again today.
SK Wyverns 6, LG Twins 3 @ Incheon
WP: Song Eum-bum
LP: Jeremy Johnson
LG outhit SK 11-10 in this game but still lost. SK won by scoring in the late innings. Nobody cared about this game.
Samsung Lions 9, Heroes 4 @ Mok-dong
WP: Yoon Seong-hwan
LP: Kim Yeong-min
Heroes had a close lead until the 7th when Samsung exploded and started scoring. They would have lost 1-0 if they didn't start to score. And fortunately for them, they're back in their playoff spot after Lotte lost. Both starting pitchers pitched very well. Yoon: 7 IP, 1 ER, 4 SO, Ma Il-yong: 6 shutout innings.
Standings as of August 13 (pre-game):
- Kia Tigers: 59-37-4
- Doosan Bears: 56-41-2
- SK Wyverns: 56-42-5
- Samsung Lions: 52-50-0
- Lotte Giants: 53-52-0
- Heroes: 46-51-1
- LG Twins: 43-57-3
- Hanhwa Eagles: 31-66-3
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
8/9 & 8/11 Roundup
Mega apologies for the lack of updates.. a lot of things have been happening in my life.. I will post an abbreviated update right..... NOW ->
August 9 Games:
Samsung Lions 6, Lotte Giants 2 @ Sajik, Busan
WP: Brandon Knight
LP: Son Min-han
Brandon Knight wins again in his second start.
Kia Tigers 6, SK Wyverns 3 @ Gunsan
WP: Seo Jae-ung
LP: Kim Won-hyung
Kia Tigers on a tear.
Heroes 10, Hanhwa Eagles 7 @ Daejeon
WP: Kim Su-kyung
LP: Eric Junge
Hanhwa Eagles still collecting L's like its going out of style.
LG Twins 7, Doosan Bears 6 @ Jamsil
WP: Lee Jae-yong
LP: Jeong Jae-hoon
Home field advantage is a good thing.
August 11 Game:
Kia Tigers 3, Lotte Giants 0 @ Sajik, Busan
WP: Yang Hyun-jong
LP: Jang Won-jun
Can't stop the Kia train..
Standings as of August 12 (pre-game):
August 9 Games:
Samsung Lions 6, Lotte Giants 2 @ Sajik, Busan
WP: Brandon Knight
LP: Son Min-han
Brandon Knight wins again in his second start.
Kia Tigers 6, SK Wyverns 3 @ Gunsan
WP: Seo Jae-ung
LP: Kim Won-hyung
Kia Tigers on a tear.
Heroes 10, Hanhwa Eagles 7 @ Daejeon
WP: Kim Su-kyung
LP: Eric Junge
Hanhwa Eagles still collecting L's like its going out of style.
LG Twins 7, Doosan Bears 6 @ Jamsil
WP: Lee Jae-yong
LP: Jeong Jae-hoon
Home field advantage is a good thing.
August 11 Game:
Kia Tigers 3, Lotte Giants 0 @ Sajik, Busan
WP: Yang Hyun-jong
LP: Jang Won-jun
Can't stop the Kia train..
Standings as of August 12 (pre-game):
- Kia Tigers: 58-37-4
- Doosan Bears: 55-41-2
- SK Wyverns: 55-42-5
- Lotte Giants: 53-51-0
- Samsung Lions: 51-50-0
- Heroes: 46-50-1
- LG Twins: 43-56-3
- Hanhwa Eagles: 31-65-3
Sunday, August 9, 2009
8/8 Roundup
August 8 Games:
Lotte Giants 3, Samsung Lions 1 @ Sajik, Busan
WP: Lee Yong-hoon
LP: Francisco Cruseta
Game 2 of this series and Lotte wins for the second time. Poor team batting on both sides (Lotte batting .154, Samsung batting .188) but one team had to win and it was indeed Lotte. Lotte returned to Busan and their winning ways (after losing all their games in their other home stadium in Masan) here. Close game, good pitching, teams still fighting each other for the 4th and final play-off spot. Definitely the series to watch.
Kia Tigers 9, SK Wyverns 6 @ Gunsan
WP: Rick Guttormson
LP: Ko Hyo-jun
SK pitching woes continue as #2 man Ko Hyo-jun took a fall in his first inning pitching and left the game. With Kim Kwang-hyun out, this leaves SK's top two pitchers on the IR. Ko only lasted a 3rd of an inning but still managed to give up 5 runs including the game winner. "L's" all around for the SK Wyverns. Meanwhile, Kia's tearing up the charts with their massive hits and are riding a 9 game winning streak (they won today.. I'll get to that tomorrow).
Doosan Bears 3, LG Twins 0 @ Jamsil, Seoul
WP: Keum Min-chil
LP: Han Hui
Doosan star hitter Kim Hyun-su's hit/RBI, a 1 run double at the top of the 1st, would have been enough to win as Doosan shut out LG in the battle of Jamsil. Despite Doosan pwning LG on the charts, LG had beaten Doosan in their last 4 meetings. Dreams come true.
Heroes 5, Hanhwa Eagles 4 @ Daejon
WP: Kim Yong-min
LP: Yang Hoon
Statistically close, but the Eagles take the L yet again. The game was scoreless until the 6th, when both teams scored 4 each over the course of the next two innings. Hwang Jae-gyun batted in the winning run for the Heroes at their half of the 9th to win. Unable to perform at pressure.. that's why Hanhwa's where they are my dudes (and dudette).
Simon Kim
Lotte Giants 3, Samsung Lions 1 @ Sajik, Busan
WP: Lee Yong-hoon
LP: Francisco Cruseta
Game 2 of this series and Lotte wins for the second time. Poor team batting on both sides (Lotte batting .154, Samsung batting .188) but one team had to win and it was indeed Lotte. Lotte returned to Busan and their winning ways (after losing all their games in their other home stadium in Masan) here. Close game, good pitching, teams still fighting each other for the 4th and final play-off spot. Definitely the series to watch.
Kia Tigers 9, SK Wyverns 6 @ Gunsan
WP: Rick Guttormson
LP: Ko Hyo-jun
SK pitching woes continue as #2 man Ko Hyo-jun took a fall in his first inning pitching and left the game. With Kim Kwang-hyun out, this leaves SK's top two pitchers on the IR. Ko only lasted a 3rd of an inning but still managed to give up 5 runs including the game winner. "L's" all around for the SK Wyverns. Meanwhile, Kia's tearing up the charts with their massive hits and are riding a 9 game winning streak (they won today.. I'll get to that tomorrow).
Doosan Bears 3, LG Twins 0 @ Jamsil, Seoul
WP: Keum Min-chil
LP: Han Hui
Doosan star hitter Kim Hyun-su's hit/RBI, a 1 run double at the top of the 1st, would have been enough to win as Doosan shut out LG in the battle of Jamsil. Despite Doosan pwning LG on the charts, LG had beaten Doosan in their last 4 meetings. Dreams come true.
Heroes 5, Hanhwa Eagles 4 @ Daejon
WP: Kim Yong-min
LP: Yang Hoon
Statistically close, but the Eagles take the L yet again. The game was scoreless until the 6th, when both teams scored 4 each over the course of the next two innings. Hwang Jae-gyun batted in the winning run for the Heroes at their half of the 9th to win. Unable to perform at pressure.. that's why Hanhwa's where they are my dudes (and dudette).
Simon Kim
Friday, August 7, 2009
8/6 Roundup
August 6 Games:
Kia Tigers 11, LG Twins 6 @ Jamsil, Seoul
WP: Yun Suk-min
LP: Shim Soo-chan
Kia wins its 7th straight game and stays on top of the KBO standings. 6 Kia hitters had 2 or more hits to help LG to its 7th straight loss. Kia runs started coming in from their first team at bat and kept bringing them in throughout the game. A sign of a great team!
Doosan Bears 5, Lotte Giants 2 @ Masan
WP: Juan Cedeno
LP: Cho Jeong-hoon
Doosan sweeps Lotte in Masan. Masan fans crazy as ever.. but Lotte's lost every game they played there this season. Lotte also lost its 4th and final playoff place to Samsung with this loss.
Lotte will try to re-claim that spot as it returns to Busan to play the Lions today. Cedeno pitched 5 innings and gave up just 1 run on 3 hits for Doosan.
Samsung Lions 7, Hanhwa Eagles 6 @ Daegu
WP: Jeong Hyun-ok
LP: Kim Hyuk-min
Bad news: Hanhwa lost again. Good news: Hanhwa only lost by a run. Good news: Hanhwa had 14 team hits. Bad news: Hanhwa still couldn't win.
Heroes 3, SK Wyverns 2 @ Incheon
WP: Oh Jae-young
LP: Ko Hyo-jun
Typical boring SK small ball which mercifly didn't go into extras as the Heroes were able to score at their half of the 9th.
Today's standings.. take yesterday's standings and switch Lotte with Samsung.
Simon Kim
Kia Tigers 11, LG Twins 6 @ Jamsil, Seoul
WP: Yun Suk-min
LP: Shim Soo-chan
Kia wins its 7th straight game and stays on top of the KBO standings. 6 Kia hitters had 2 or more hits to help LG to its 7th straight loss. Kia runs started coming in from their first team at bat and kept bringing them in throughout the game. A sign of a great team!
Doosan Bears 5, Lotte Giants 2 @ Masan
WP: Juan Cedeno
LP: Cho Jeong-hoon
Doosan sweeps Lotte in Masan. Masan fans crazy as ever.. but Lotte's lost every game they played there this season. Lotte also lost its 4th and final playoff place to Samsung with this loss.
Lotte will try to re-claim that spot as it returns to Busan to play the Lions today. Cedeno pitched 5 innings and gave up just 1 run on 3 hits for Doosan.
Samsung Lions 7, Hanhwa Eagles 6 @ Daegu
WP: Jeong Hyun-ok
LP: Kim Hyuk-min
Bad news: Hanhwa lost again. Good news: Hanhwa only lost by a run. Good news: Hanhwa had 14 team hits. Bad news: Hanhwa still couldn't win.
Heroes 3, SK Wyverns 2 @ Incheon
WP: Oh Jae-young
LP: Ko Hyo-jun
Typical boring SK small ball which mercifly didn't go into extras as the Heroes were able to score at their half of the 9th.
Today's standings.. take yesterday's standings and switch Lotte with Samsung.
Simon Kim
Thursday, August 6, 2009
8/5 Roundup
August 5 Games:
Kia Tigers 9, LG Twins 7 @ Jamsil, Seoul
WP: Lee Dae-jin
LP: Bong Joon-gun
Kia won its 6th straight game keeping the entire KBO in a cobra clutch from their unmoving 1st place position. Tigers out hit the Twins .390 to .297. Tigers jumped on the Twins early right in their first team at-bat with back to back homeruns from Na Ji-wan and Choi Hee-sup. A 4 run Twins rally in the 8th wasn't enough as Kia won to give hope that we won't have to suffer through another dreadful SK championship this year.
Doosan Bears 12, Lotte Giants 3 @ Masan
WP: Kim Sun-woo
LP: Kang Yang-sik
Score looking similar to the previous game's, and Masan fans still going bonkers over their Giants. Things were looking good as Lotte took the lead in the 3rd. That didn't last as the Bears scored 12 runs in their next two team at-bats. Another loss for the Giants, making me at least wonder if their mid-season surge was wishful thinking. On the bright side, Lotte didn't allow a run after giving up 6 in the 5th. ㅋ
Samsung Lions, 12, Hanhwa Eagles 2 @ Daegu
WP: Yoon Sung-hwan
LP: Ryu Hyun-jin
The mighty Ryu Hyun-jin lasted only 2.2 innings as the Eagles' woes continue. I didn't watch, but the Korean press is saying Eagles' concentration was off. Another day another loss for the Eagles. On the bright side, no one's threatening to buy the team and move it to Canada.
SK Wyverns 10, Heroes 8 @ Incheon
WP: Jeon Byung-do
LP: Lee Bo-gun
It was an SK game. It was long and boring and SK won. Some guy called Mo Chang-min hit a 2 run home run in the bottom of the 11th to break an 8-8 tie. And all 30 SK fans left at Munhak jumped for joy so that they can go home and forget what they saw. On the bright side, they got to see 3.1 great innings from the man with the most awesome name in Korean baseball: Jeon Byung-do (전병두) (3.1 IP, 3 SO).
Standings as of August 5, 2009
Kia Tigers 9, LG Twins 7 @ Jamsil, Seoul
WP: Lee Dae-jin
LP: Bong Joon-gun
Kia won its 6th straight game keeping the entire KBO in a cobra clutch from their unmoving 1st place position. Tigers out hit the Twins .390 to .297. Tigers jumped on the Twins early right in their first team at-bat with back to back homeruns from Na Ji-wan and Choi Hee-sup. A 4 run Twins rally in the 8th wasn't enough as Kia won to give hope that we won't have to suffer through another dreadful SK championship this year.
Doosan Bears 12, Lotte Giants 3 @ Masan
WP: Kim Sun-woo
LP: Kang Yang-sik
Score looking similar to the previous game's, and Masan fans still going bonkers over their Giants. Things were looking good as Lotte took the lead in the 3rd. That didn't last as the Bears scored 12 runs in their next two team at-bats. Another loss for the Giants, making me at least wonder if their mid-season surge was wishful thinking. On the bright side, Lotte didn't allow a run after giving up 6 in the 5th. ㅋ
Samsung Lions, 12, Hanhwa Eagles 2 @ Daegu
WP: Yoon Sung-hwan
LP: Ryu Hyun-jin
The mighty Ryu Hyun-jin lasted only 2.2 innings as the Eagles' woes continue. I didn't watch, but the Korean press is saying Eagles' concentration was off. Another day another loss for the Eagles. On the bright side, no one's threatening to buy the team and move it to Canada.
SK Wyverns 10, Heroes 8 @ Incheon
WP: Jeon Byung-do
LP: Lee Bo-gun
It was an SK game. It was long and boring and SK won. Some guy called Mo Chang-min hit a 2 run home run in the bottom of the 11th to break an 8-8 tie. And all 30 SK fans left at Munhak jumped for joy so that they can go home and forget what they saw. On the bright side, they got to see 3.1 great innings from the man with the most awesome name in Korean baseball: Jeon Byung-do (전병두) (3.1 IP, 3 SO).
Standings as of August 5, 2009
- Kia Tigers: 54-37-4
- Doosan Bears: 53-39-2
- SK Wyverns: 55-39-5
- Lotte Giants: 51-48-0
- Samsung Lions: 49-48-0
- Heroes: 43-50-1
- LG Twins: 41-54-3
- Hanhwa Eagles: 31-62-3
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
8/4 Roundup
I'll (Simon) be posting game scores and summaries while Matt is on his well deserved vacation in the States. It definitely won't be as awesome as his, but it should get the job done..
August 4 Games:
Kia Tigers 12, LG Twins 2 @ Jamsil, Seoul
WP: Yang Hyun-jong
LP: Kim Kwang-su
Kia had 15 hits and 12 runs to win its 5th game in a row and stays on top of the Korean Baseball Organization standings. Choi Hee-sup had 3 hits, 2 home runs, and 6 RBI's. Other notables were Jang Seong-ho, with 3 hits, Kim Sang-hyun, with 2 hits, and pitcher Yang Hyun-jong, with 8 IP and 2 runs allowed. This was LG's third loss in a row to Kia.
Doosan Bears 12, Lotte Giants 4 @ Masan
WP: Hong Sang-sam
LP: Son Min-han
Lotte starter Son Min-han lasted only 3 innings after giving up 5 runs on 8 hits in Lotte's home game in Masan. Kim Hyun-su led Doosan hitters with 5 hits and was one of 5 Doosan players with 2 or more hits in this game. Hong Sang-sam pitched 6 shutout innings for the win.
Samsung Lions, 6, Hanhwa Eagles 5 @ Daegu
WP: Brandon Knight
LP: Yoo Won-sang
Brandon Knight (interview below) won in his debut in Samsung blue. Choi Hyung-su led the way for the Samsung offence with 3 RBI's in this back and forth game. Neither starters were superb, but I was happy to see Knight look pretty confident in his Korean debut.
SK Wyverns 9, Heroes 8 @ Incheon
WP: Jeong Dae-hyun
LP: Jeon Jun-ho
Jeong gun-woo was the hero for SK driving in the come from behind game winning run in the bottom of the 9th. Lee Bo-gun and Joon Jun-ho could not maintain a Heroes lead in the 8th and 9th innings giving up 2 runs each. SK leads their season series with the Heroes with 11 wins, 4 losses, and a single tie.
Standings as of August 4, 2009
August 4 Games:
Kia Tigers 12, LG Twins 2 @ Jamsil, Seoul
WP: Yang Hyun-jong
LP: Kim Kwang-su
Kia had 15 hits and 12 runs to win its 5th game in a row and stays on top of the Korean Baseball Organization standings. Choi Hee-sup had 3 hits, 2 home runs, and 6 RBI's. Other notables were Jang Seong-ho, with 3 hits, Kim Sang-hyun, with 2 hits, and pitcher Yang Hyun-jong, with 8 IP and 2 runs allowed. This was LG's third loss in a row to Kia.
Doosan Bears 12, Lotte Giants 4 @ Masan
WP: Hong Sang-sam
LP: Son Min-han
Lotte starter Son Min-han lasted only 3 innings after giving up 5 runs on 8 hits in Lotte's home game in Masan. Kim Hyun-su led Doosan hitters with 5 hits and was one of 5 Doosan players with 2 or more hits in this game. Hong Sang-sam pitched 6 shutout innings for the win.
Samsung Lions, 6, Hanhwa Eagles 5 @ Daegu
WP: Brandon Knight
LP: Yoo Won-sang
Brandon Knight (interview below) won in his debut in Samsung blue. Choi Hyung-su led the way for the Samsung offence with 3 RBI's in this back and forth game. Neither starters were superb, but I was happy to see Knight look pretty confident in his Korean debut.
SK Wyverns 9, Heroes 8 @ Incheon
WP: Jeong Dae-hyun
LP: Jeon Jun-ho
Jeong gun-woo was the hero for SK driving in the come from behind game winning run in the bottom of the 9th. Lee Bo-gun and Joon Jun-ho could not maintain a Heroes lead in the 8th and 9th innings giving up 2 runs each. SK leads their season series with the Heroes with 11 wins, 4 losses, and a single tie.
Standings as of August 4, 2009
- Kia Tigers: 53-37-4
- Doosan Bears: 52-39-2
- SK Wyverns: 54-39-5
- Lotte Giants: 51-47-0
- Samsung Lions: 48-48-0
- Heroes: 43-49-1
- LG Twins: 41-53-3
- Hanhwa Chickens (Oops, I mean Eagles): 31-61-3
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
7/31 - 8/2 Weekend Roundup: Seoul Heroes vs. LG
7/31 - Heroes 3, LG 2
8/1 - Heroes 7, LG 6
8/2 - Heroes 3, LG 2 (10)
The Heroes won the "Who Cares" Series of the weekend. The Heroes have a shot at 5th place. Thinking playoffs is too ambitious for both of these teams. Heroes reliever Lee Bo-geun is starting to emerge as a legit relief ace. Lee saved 2 of the 3 games this weekend.
The Heroes jumped out to an early 3-0 lead and were able to hang on for a W on Friday. With the early cushion, Heroes starter Ma Il-yeong was able to cruise. Ma tossed 6 2/3 innings of 2-run baseball. Ma allowed only 7 hits and struck out 1. Ma has morphed into the Heroes version of Son Min-han. Ma's only mistake was allowing LG catcher Cho In-seong to hit a 2-run homer in the 5th inning. Twins starter Shim Su-chang was the tough luck loser. Shim tossed 7 2/3 innings of 3-run ball. He gave up only 5 hits, 3 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 3.
LG jumped out to a 6-2 lead in the 3rd inning, but the Heroes were able to take the lead thanks to a 4-run rally in the 8th inning. Heroes right fielder Song Ji-man and shortstop Kang Jeong-ho hit back-to-back homers during the big comeback. Twins starting pitcher Jeremy Johnson made his KBO debut on Saturday and was saddled with an ND. Johnson tossed 6 1/3 innings of 3-run baseball. He allowed 7 hits, 4 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 6. He looked competent. I don't think he's going to turn into a Rick Guttormson, but I think he'll do better than Mike Johnson did.
Heroes starting pitcher Lee Hyeon-seung turned in a great effort, but was saddled with an ND thanks to a lack of run support. Lee threw 9 innings of 2-run ball. He gave up 3 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 11(!). Heroes reliever Bae Him-chan threw a 1-2-3 10th inning and vultured the W. Heroes center fielder Lee Taek-geun hit a walk off double in the bottom of the 10th.
8/1 - Heroes 7, LG 6
8/2 - Heroes 3, LG 2 (10)
The Heroes won the "Who Cares" Series of the weekend. The Heroes have a shot at 5th place. Thinking playoffs is too ambitious for both of these teams. Heroes reliever Lee Bo-geun is starting to emerge as a legit relief ace. Lee saved 2 of the 3 games this weekend.
The Heroes jumped out to an early 3-0 lead and were able to hang on for a W on Friday. With the early cushion, Heroes starter Ma Il-yeong was able to cruise. Ma tossed 6 2/3 innings of 2-run baseball. Ma allowed only 7 hits and struck out 1. Ma has morphed into the Heroes version of Son Min-han. Ma's only mistake was allowing LG catcher Cho In-seong to hit a 2-run homer in the 5th inning. Twins starter Shim Su-chang was the tough luck loser. Shim tossed 7 2/3 innings of 3-run ball. He gave up only 5 hits, 3 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 3.
LG jumped out to a 6-2 lead in the 3rd inning, but the Heroes were able to take the lead thanks to a 4-run rally in the 8th inning. Heroes right fielder Song Ji-man and shortstop Kang Jeong-ho hit back-to-back homers during the big comeback. Twins starting pitcher Jeremy Johnson made his KBO debut on Saturday and was saddled with an ND. Johnson tossed 6 1/3 innings of 3-run baseball. He allowed 7 hits, 4 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 6. He looked competent. I don't think he's going to turn into a Rick Guttormson, but I think he'll do better than Mike Johnson did.
Heroes starting pitcher Lee Hyeon-seung turned in a great effort, but was saddled with an ND thanks to a lack of run support. Lee threw 9 innings of 2-run ball. He gave up 3 hits, 2 walks and 1 hit batsman while striking out 11(!). Heroes reliever Bae Him-chan threw a 1-2-3 10th inning and vultured the W. Heroes center fielder Lee Taek-geun hit a walk off double in the bottom of the 10th.
7/31 - 8/2 Weekend Roundup: Hanhwa vs. Lotte
7/31 - Lotte 7, Hanhwa 0
8/1 - Hanhwa 8, Lotte 3
8/2 - Lotte 4, Hanhwa 3
Lotte has a 3-game cushion over 5th place Samsung for the 4th playoff slot. Given the issues Lotte has had on the mound and with injuries, its impressive that they are where in the standings. It looks like I'm going to be buying Aaron dinner some time in September. I better start saving my 10-won coins.
Lotte starter Cho Jeong-hoon was absolutely dominant on Friday. Cho threw a complete game, 6-hit shutout. Cho struck out a season high 11, but, come on, he was pitching against Hanhwa. I'm not even sure if he could brag about this after the game. "Hey guys! I threw a complete game shutout!" "Yeah, against HANHWA!"
The lowly Eagles got some measure of revenge on Saturday with an 8-3 victory. Starting pitching Ahn Yeong-myeong was, erm, adequate and DH Lee Yeong-woo hit a pair of homers while going 2-4 with a walk, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Hanhwa right fielder Yang Seung-hak also enjoyed a big day at the plate. Yang finished 3-4 with a homer, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored.
Yang continued to swing a hot bat on Sunday. The Hanhwa right fielder added 2 more homers to his season total and finished the day 3-4 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored. Yang was the only Eagle to have any success against Lotte starter Song Seung-joon. Song tossed 6 2/3 innings of 3-run ball. Song allowed 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 3. Jon Adkins struck out 2 during a scoreless 9th to earn the save on Sunday.
8/1 - Hanhwa 8, Lotte 3
8/2 - Lotte 4, Hanhwa 3
Lotte has a 3-game cushion over 5th place Samsung for the 4th playoff slot. Given the issues Lotte has had on the mound and with injuries, its impressive that they are where in the standings. It looks like I'm going to be buying Aaron dinner some time in September. I better start saving my 10-won coins.
Lotte starter Cho Jeong-hoon was absolutely dominant on Friday. Cho threw a complete game, 6-hit shutout. Cho struck out a season high 11, but, come on, he was pitching against Hanhwa. I'm not even sure if he could brag about this after the game. "Hey guys! I threw a complete game shutout!" "Yeah, against HANHWA!"
The lowly Eagles got some measure of revenge on Saturday with an 8-3 victory. Starting pitching Ahn Yeong-myeong was, erm, adequate and DH Lee Yeong-woo hit a pair of homers while going 2-4 with a walk, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Hanhwa right fielder Yang Seung-hak also enjoyed a big day at the plate. Yang finished 3-4 with a homer, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored.
Yang continued to swing a hot bat on Sunday. The Hanhwa right fielder added 2 more homers to his season total and finished the day 3-4 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored. Yang was the only Eagle to have any success against Lotte starter Song Seung-joon. Song tossed 6 2/3 innings of 3-run ball. Song allowed 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 3. Jon Adkins struck out 2 during a scoreless 9th to earn the save on Sunday.
7/31 - 8/2 Weekend Roundup: KIA vs. Samsung
7/31 - KIA 5, Samsung 2
8/1 - KIA 7, Samsung 3
8/2 - KIA 4, Samsung 3
This is the first time since I've been following Korean baseball that a team other than SK or Doosan has been in first place for more than 24 hours. The turnaround in Gwangju has been remarkable. It's amazing what finding a pair of foreign innings eaters can do for a team.
All 3 games had the same recipe for success. Solid starting pitching, good defense and timely hitting. This isn't exactly rocket surgery. Starting pitchers Yoon Seok-min, Rick Guttormson and Aquilino Lopez all threw quality starts against the Lions. Yoon started the party right by tossing 8 innings of 2-run baseball. Yoon allowed only 6 hits, 2 walks and 2 hit batsmen while striking out 6. Guttormson followed suit on Saturday. Rick tossed 7 innings of 1-run baseball. Rick gave up 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2. Guttormson doesn't miss many bats, but he keeps teams off-balance. Lopez wanted in on the party too. Senor Smoke threw 7 innings of 3-run ball on Sunday afternoon. He surrendered 8 hits and 3 walks while striking out 9.
The Lions never stood a chance. On Saturday human pinata Bae Yong-su got the start for the Lions. I'm giving Bae a new nickname. I hereby name him, "The White Flag." I thought about going with "Captain France," but that's not very PC. If ever there were an act of surrender, starting Bae Yong-su in 2009 is it.
3rd baseman Kim Sang-hyeon lead the KIA offense. He drove in a run in every game and homered on Saturday and Sunday. He finished the weekend 10-14 with 6 RBIs and 3 runs scored.
8/1 - KIA 7, Samsung 3
8/2 - KIA 4, Samsung 3
This is the first time since I've been following Korean baseball that a team other than SK or Doosan has been in first place for more than 24 hours. The turnaround in Gwangju has been remarkable. It's amazing what finding a pair of foreign innings eaters can do for a team.
All 3 games had the same recipe for success. Solid starting pitching, good defense and timely hitting. This isn't exactly rocket surgery. Starting pitchers Yoon Seok-min, Rick Guttormson and Aquilino Lopez all threw quality starts against the Lions. Yoon started the party right by tossing 8 innings of 2-run baseball. Yoon allowed only 6 hits, 2 walks and 2 hit batsmen while striking out 6. Guttormson followed suit on Saturday. Rick tossed 7 innings of 1-run baseball. Rick gave up 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2. Guttormson doesn't miss many bats, but he keeps teams off-balance. Lopez wanted in on the party too. Senor Smoke threw 7 innings of 3-run ball on Sunday afternoon. He surrendered 8 hits and 3 walks while striking out 9.
The Lions never stood a chance. On Saturday human pinata Bae Yong-su got the start for the Lions. I'm giving Bae a new nickname. I hereby name him, "The White Flag." I thought about going with "Captain France," but that's not very PC. If ever there were an act of surrender, starting Bae Yong-su in 2009 is it.
3rd baseman Kim Sang-hyeon lead the KIA offense. He drove in a run in every game and homered on Saturday and Sunday. He finished the weekend 10-14 with 6 RBIs and 3 runs scored.
7/31 - 8/2 Weekend Roundup: Doosan vs. SK
7/31 -Doosan 6, SK 4
8/1 - Doosan 5, SK 1
8/2 - SK 11, Doosan 4
This was a depressing weekend to be an SK fan. SK lost the series to their most bitter rival, fell out of first place and it looks like Kim Kwang-hyeon is going to be out for AT LEAST 6 weeks thanks to a broken hand. A line drive struck the SK ace in his pitching hand during the 3rd inning on Sunday. Kim had to be carted off in an ambulance.
A 6-run rally in the 6th inning and some solid relief pitching were enough to earn the W on Friday night. 1st baseman Choi Joon-seok hit a 3-run bomb and Lim Tae-hoon tossed 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.
It was more of the same on Saturday. Doosan suffocated the SK offense thanks to a little solid pitching and a lot of solid defense. The Bears scored 4 in the 2nd inning and never looked back. Right fielder Lim Jae-cheol lead the way by going 2-4 with a walk, a homer, 4 RBIs and 1 run scored.
SK was able to save some face by pummelling Doosan on Sunday, but SK lost its ace for the rest of the regular season and possibly into the playoffs. SK swingman Goh Hyo-joon tossed 5 scoreless innings of relief while the Wyverns took their frustrations out on the Bears pitching staff. Center fielder Kim Kang-min went 3-5 with a homer, 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored.
8/1 - Doosan 5, SK 1
8/2 - SK 11, Doosan 4
This was a depressing weekend to be an SK fan. SK lost the series to their most bitter rival, fell out of first place and it looks like Kim Kwang-hyeon is going to be out for AT LEAST 6 weeks thanks to a broken hand. A line drive struck the SK ace in his pitching hand during the 3rd inning on Sunday. Kim had to be carted off in an ambulance.
A 6-run rally in the 6th inning and some solid relief pitching were enough to earn the W on Friday night. 1st baseman Choi Joon-seok hit a 3-run bomb and Lim Tae-hoon tossed 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.
It was more of the same on Saturday. Doosan suffocated the SK offense thanks to a little solid pitching and a lot of solid defense. The Bears scored 4 in the 2nd inning and never looked back. Right fielder Lim Jae-cheol lead the way by going 2-4 with a walk, a homer, 4 RBIs and 1 run scored.
SK was able to save some face by pummelling Doosan on Sunday, but SK lost its ace for the rest of the regular season and possibly into the playoffs. SK swingman Goh Hyo-joon tossed 5 scoreless innings of relief while the Wyverns took their frustrations out on the Bears pitching staff. Center fielder Kim Kang-min went 3-5 with a homer, 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Kia in First Place
Kia's in first place after beating the Lions. This is very exciting. I don't have time to translate this entire article, but I will translate the first few sections.
Like the Sun Rising: Kia Tigers in First Place for the First Time in 2516 Days
The Kia Tigers are in first place in this year's "Magoo Magoo" Korean Baseball League season standings after defeating the Samsung Lions 4-3. Their win was helped by spectacular performances from Kim Sang-hyun (3 hits, 3 RBI's), pitcher A. Lopez (1oth win of the season), and a save by Yoo Dong-hoon (1.1 perfect innings).
SK Wyverns' 11-4 win over the Doosan Bears and Kia's first 4 game win streak of the season paved the way for their grand entrance to the top.
The last time Kia was at this position was back in 2002: September 12. That's 7 years or 2516 days ago. It looks like Kia's going to be a real contender along with SK and Doosan for this year's Korea Series.
I have no time to translate the rest now but if you have any questions I can look over the article and answer.
http://news.naver.com/sports/index.nhn?category=baseball&ctg=news&mod=read&office_id=109&article_id=0002041749
Simon Kim
Like the Sun Rising: Kia Tigers in First Place for the First Time in 2516 Days
The Kia Tigers are in first place in this year's "Magoo Magoo" Korean Baseball League season standings after defeating the Samsung Lions 4-3. Their win was helped by spectacular performances from Kim Sang-hyun (3 hits, 3 RBI's), pitcher A. Lopez (1oth win of the season), and a save by Yoo Dong-hoon (1.1 perfect innings).
SK Wyverns' 11-4 win over the Doosan Bears and Kia's first 4 game win streak of the season paved the way for their grand entrance to the top.
The last time Kia was at this position was back in 2002: September 12. That's 7 years or 2516 days ago. It looks like Kia's going to be a real contender along with SK and Doosan for this year's Korea Series.
I have no time to translate the rest now but if you have any questions I can look over the article and answer.
http://news.naver.com/sports/index.nhn?category=baseball&ctg=news&mod=read&office_id=109&article_id=0002041749
Simon Kim
Brandon Knight Interview
...and I'm (Simon) back from my little trek, firmly holding onto my re-acquired access to the Internet.
This Brandon Knight interview was done in English, translated to Korean, and translated back to English:
Interview: New Samsung Lions Pitcher: "Korean League's Strong (Powerful)"
New Samsung Lions starting pitcher Brandon Knight "feels proud to be playing" in the Korean Baseball Organization.
This Brandon Knight interview was done in English, translated to Korean, and translated back to English:
Interview: New Samsung Lions Pitcher: "Korean League's Strong (Powerful)"
New Samsung Lions starting pitcher Brandon Knight "feels proud to be playing" in the Korean Baseball Organization.Knight arrived in Korea on the 29th (of August) and could be a variable in Samsung's chances for the rest of the season. Traveling to Gwangju on the 30th because of the 3 game series Samsung plays with the Kia Tigers there, Knight answered questions through a stadium intrepretor.
Knight pitched for the U.S. National team during last year's Beijing Olympics, notably starting against Team Korea, where he pitched 4.1 innings and giving up 6 runs. He pitched in 15 (U.S.) Major League games and has 1 win and an ERA of 8.62. His U.S. minor league record is 87 wins, 94 losses, and a 4.32 ERA. He also pitched professionally in Japan for 3 years from 2003.
Questions Below:
What are your feelings abut coming to Korea?
- I pitched in Japan so Korea seems rather familiar than not. People have been polite and very respectful to me. And the other players on the team likewise.
How are you feeling health-wise right now? Did you have a chance to throw in the States before you came here?
- Not perfect. Not 100%. I should be over the jet lag by the 31st. I could not throw the ball much in America. I threw the ball around for 10~15 minutes with the team on the 30th and I felt good about it.
Did you know about the Samsung Lions before you came here?
- I learned a lot about Korean baseball when I was in Japan. I knew Samsung was competitive for several years. I was also good friends with John Gall, who pitched for Lotte. I learned a lot about Korean baseball and Samsung from him.
What do you remember before and after you pitched against Team Korea in the Olympics last year?
- I did not have much information before I pitched, but I knew from the first World Baseball Classic that Korea had a strong team. I feel proud to be able to play here. People back in America think of Korean baseball as being very strong. When I told players back in America that I was going to pitch in Korea, they wished me well and told me that I was going to a place where they played strong baseball. I'd like to try hard and succeed here.
You have become a starting pitcher now. Goals?
- There's only a 3rd of the season left but I'd like to help out the team every time I pitch.
Interview by Kim Na-hyun, Sports Chosun
http://news.naver.com/sports/index.nhn?category=baseball&ctg=news&mod=read&office_id=076&article_id=0001999256
Translated by Simon Kim
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