Daegu:Samsung Lions ace Ariel Jurado delivered a standout performance in Game 3 of the Korean Series, leading his team to a crucial 5-1 victory over the KT Wiz at Daegu Samsung Lions Park.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Jurado allowed just one run on six hits over seven innings, helping the Lions secure a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Panamanian pitcher, who was previously named MVP of the series against the Kia Tigers, continued his impressive postseason form by striking out multiple batters and maintaining a low ERA.
Jurado's exceptional pitching was complemented by offensive support from his teammates. The Lions tied the game in the bottom of the first inning and took a commanding 4-1 lead, thanks to Kim Seong-yoon's RBI groundout and Koo Ja-wook's two-run triple. Jurado managed to retire eight consecutive batters at one point and remained effective despite a single off his leg in the sixth inning.
While KT Wiz starter So Hyeong-jun struggled early with control issues, walking five batters and allowing four runs in the first two innings, he eventually settled down. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome Jurado's dominant performance.
Jurado threw 72 of his 108 pitches for strikes, using a mix of changeups, two-seam fastballs, curveballs, and cutters to keep the Wiz batters at bay. His postseason ERA now stands at an impressive 1.31 over 20 2/3 innings, with a career postseason ERA of 2.81 over 41 2/3 innings.