Daegu:Samsung Lions pitcher Ariel Jurado achieved his first postseason victory in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) on Tuesday night, leading his team to an 8-3 win over the Kia Tigers at Daegu Samsung Lions Park.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Panamanian pitcher held the Tigers to two runs and five hits over 6 2/3 innings. This victory allowed the Lions to level their best-of-five series at one game each. Prior to this match, Jurado had struggled in postseason games with a 0-3 record and a 4.29 ERA over four outings.
Jurado's performance on Tuesday night was marked by his ability to effectively manage the game despite not being an overpowering pitcher. After giving up a run in the third inning, he was supported by his team with a four-run surge, which included a two-run homer by Lewin Diaz. Jurado went on to retire 10 consecutive batters and maintained control until the seventh inning, where he allowed another run due to a wild pitch.
Throughout the game, Jurado utilized six different pitch types and focused on the upper part of the strike zone to keep the Tigers' hitters off balance. Despite a challenging seventh inning, where he didn't manage to finish, Jurado expressed satisfaction with his performance and gratitude towards his teammates for maintaining the lead.
Jurado's contributions were crucial in helping the Lions secure a much-needed win in the series, showcasing his preparation and strategic pitching approach.