Doosan Bears' original finisher Kim Kang-ryul gave the team a valuable victory with his first save in 527 days. With closer Jung Chul-won sluggish recently, veteran pitcher Kim Kang-ryul's performance is expected to be a big help to Doosan.
Doosan won 3-1 against the KIA Tigers in Jamsil on Oct. 13. With the victory, Doosan won 73 wins, two draws and 65 losses in the season, securing the fifth place in the league. If they win one of the remaining four games, they will confirm their advance to the 5th round on their own.
Doosan took the mood of the game as starting pitcher Kwak Bin pitched well with a quality start of 109 pitches, two hits, nine strikeouts, and one run in six innings.
Doosan, which succeeded in scoring the first run with Cho Ha-haeng's timely infield hit in the bottom of the third inning with two outs and runners on first and second bases, even scored an additional run with Rojas' timely double that came from the opportunity with two outs and runners on first and third bases.
Doosan held a 3-1 lead to the end. In particular, Kim Kang-ryul, who came to the mound in the top of the ninth inning, kept his team's victory with a clean three-and-out, including one strikeout. Kim Kang-ryul achieved his first save in 527 days since the game against the LG Twins in Jamsil on May 4, 2022.
Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop said after the game, "Starting pitcher Kwak Bin pitched well." Catcher Yang Eui-ji skillfully combined the ball and blocked six innings with one run. Bullpen pitchers also did their part. "Thanks to Hong Gun-hee, Kim Myung-shin, and Kim Kang-ryul taking charge of each inning, we were able to win," he said.
Coach Lee then said, "I want to praise the fielders for their concentration in batting. After two outs in the third inning, Huh Kyung-min relentlessly fought for the ball count and got a walk, and valuable consecutive hits from Jung Soo-bin, Cho Ha-haeng and Rojas came out. It was a really important game, but I was able to win thanks to the support of the fans. Thank you," he said.
Kim Kang-ryul, who played a good finishing role instead of Jeong Chul-won, said, "I'm happy that it helped me win an important game in the five-team fight. I went up to the finish line after a long time, but I wasn't very conscious. Today, the low control of the breaking ball was effective. And I was able to win thanks to the fielders' defense. I want to say thank you to the fielders," he rejoiced. 스포츠토토
Kim Kang-ryul then said, "It took time for my condition to come up because I was in a bad condition from the beginning of this season." Even though he was not in good condition, he was considerate to gradually raise his form while continuing to accompany him. The young pitchers have held on well so far. Now I have to be of help," he vowed.
Kim Kang-ryul showed off his performance as a closer with 21 saves in the 2021 season. However, Kim Kang-ryul, who only made nine saves in the 2022 season, had only one win and one save and an ERA of 4.21 in 31 games this season due to injuries and sluggishness. Fortunately, since he recovered his physical condition at the end of the season, Kim Kang-ryul should take the center stage like a veteran bullpen. Kim Kang-ryul's use is expected to expand further during the rest of the regular season and the postseason.