Daegu:Samsung Lions' pitcher Ariel Jurado delivered an exceptional performance, propelling his team to the Korean Series in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason. The Panamanian right-hander clinched two consecutive victories against the Kia Tigers, including a decisive win in the series finale on Sunday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Jurado was named the series MVP after securing 47 out of 79 votes from the media. In Game 5, held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, Jurado allowed only one unearned run on five hits over seven innings, leading the Lions to a 6-1 victory.
Earlier in the series, Jurado had limited the Tigers to two runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings. His performance improved even further in the final game, where he effectively mixed 36 changeups, 26 two-seam fastballs, 10 curveballs, and 10 cutters to keep the hitters off balance.
The Lions provided Jurado with ample run support, scoring once in the first inning and adding three more runs in the second. The only blemish on Jurado's record came in the third inning when an error by first baseman Lewin Diaz allowed Ha Ju-suk to reach base and eventually score on a triple by Park Jae-hyun, though the run was unearned.
Reflecting on his MVP honor, Jurado expressed his surprise and gratitude, stating, "I am so happy with this award. I honestly didn't expect this. I just wanted to do my best to help the team win."