Ryu Hyun-jin (37-Hanwha Eagles) emerged from the dugout with a big smile on his face as he was declared the winner, especially after snapping a five-game losing streak that started with him.
Ryu took the mound against the Doosan Bears in the 2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League at Jamsil Stadium on Nov. 11 and pitched six shutout innings, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out eight to lead Hanwha to a 3-0 victory.
It was Ryu’s first win in four starts since returning to the KBO this season. He also increased his career win total in the KBO to 99. It had been 4,216 days since Ryu had a win in the KBO since September 25, 2012, against the Doosan Bears.
Ryu had lost two of his previous three starts. He had been in a pattern of pitching well early on, then struggling as his pitch count increased. In his previous outing against the Kiwoom Heroes on March 5 (4⅓ innings, 9 runs), he was scoreless through four innings before giving up nine runs in the fifth inning.
This day was different. It was Ryu’s game, not ours. He threw less fastballs and threw a lot more changeups, curves, and cut fastballs. Of his 94 pitches, only 32 were fastballs. His pitches were perfect, with 67 strikes and 27 balls].
Hanwha manager Choi Won-ho praised Ryu’s pitching, saying, “Ryu shut down the opposing batters with his perfect pitching, giving him his first win back and ending the team’s losing streak.”
In a postgame interview, Ryu said, “I started the losing streak. I told the pitching coach before the game, ‘I’m going to stop my bad start,'” he said, adding, “I tried to focus on every game, but I kept giving up runs, so it was difficult, but today, I think I overcame that.”
He admitted that he was shocked after giving up nine runs against Kiwoom last time. “I was a little shocked that day,” Ryu said, “but I tried to forget it quickly because it’s early in the season, and I think that’s why I played well today.”
“I was having trouble with my changeup when I came to Korea, so I’m 카지노사이트 glad I caught it,” Ryu said. “I tried to make my arm swing a little faster and keep it as close to my fastball as possible,” he said.
“I was in good shape, but I had a lot of trouble with my fastball,” he said, adding, “I think I paid attention to my fastball today and it paid off.”
“I wish I could have heard the fans’ cheers sooner,” said Ryu, who was all smiles after the win. I think it was better after the game today,” he said, adding, “The fans come to every game and support me a lot, so I will focus on that and play a good game.”