Seoul:Japanese pitcher Keisho Shirakawa delivered an outstanding performance to propel the Kia Tigers to a decisive 13-1 victory over the LG Twins, completing a three-game sweep in their Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason series.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Shirakawa, making his first postseason appearance in South Korea, struck out nine batters over five innings. This impressive outing helped the Tigers advance to the next round and marked him as the first Japanese pitcher to win a KBO postseason game. The Tigers had secured an early lead, scoring seven runs in the second inning, which Shirakawa successfully maintained.
Shirakawa's pitching arsenal, including a fastball-slider combination, was pivotal in keeping the Twins' hitters at bay. His highlight came in the fifth inning, where, after allowing a single, he struck out the next three batters, showcasing his skill and composure before a sellout crowd of 23,650.
Despite a challenging start in the KBO and struggles in games with large crowds, Shirakawa's performance on Tuesday was a testament to his growth and ability to rise to the occasion. His fastball speed was notably higher than his regular-season average, contributing to his dominant display on the mound.