Seoul, South Korea - LG Twins starter Casey Kelly delivered an exceptional performance in the pivotal Game 5 of the Korean Series on Monday night, helping his team secure their first title since 1994 with a 6-2 win over the KT Wiz. Kelly's journey this season, marked by early struggles and a strong finish, was crucial in the Twins' championship run.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kelly, an American right-hander in his fifth season in the Korea Baseball Organization, had a challenging start to the 2023 season. He posted a 5.66 ERA through his first six starts in April. Despite improvements in May, his performance fluctuated in the following months, leading to speculations about his future with the Twins. His struggles were contrasted with the success of fellow American starter Adam Plutko, who excelled in the first half of the season.
However, Kelly turned his season around in the latter half, finishing with a 4-2 record and a 2.90 ERA in his final twelve starts. With Plutko sidelined due to injury, Kelly stepped up as the Game 1 starter in the Korean Series. Despite not getting a decision in the Twins' initial loss, he set the tone for the team's resilience.
In Game 5, Kelly's effective pitching was instrumental in clinching the series. He introduced a forkball to his postseason arsenal but relied on his fastball-cutter combination to navigate through challenging innings. Despite allowing base runners in every inning, Kelly skillfully avoided major damage, handling key moments with composure.
The Twins built a 3-0 lead in the third inning, bolstered by a crucial defensive play by center fielder Park Hae-min. Kelly's ability to regroup after giving up two singles and a wild pitch in the fifth inning was a testament to his resilience. The reliever You Young-chan and three more bullpen arms subsequently preserved the win, cementing Kelly's contribution to the Twins' long-awaited triumph.
Kelly's turnaround from a potentially career-threatening phase to a championship-winning pitcher underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability in sports. His performance in the Korean Series not only marked a personal achievement but also played a pivotal role in the LG Twins' journey to become the 2023 champions.