SEOUL — In what turned into a disheartening performance for Ryu Hyun-jin and the Hanwha Eagles, the Kiwoom Heroes mounted an aggressive offensive strategy that left the veteran pitcher searching for reprieve. During Friday’s game at Gocheok Sky Dome, Ryu experienced one of the most challenging outings of his storied career, yielding a career-high nine runs in a single appearance.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Eagles initially provided Ryu with a supportive 4-0 lead. However, the Heroes’ hitters, undeterred and strategic, capitalized on every opportunity in the bottom of the fifth, turning the game on its head. The inning saw Ryu surrender eight hits, including a sequence of seven consecutive hits, culminating in a 7-4 disadvantage that ultimately forced his early exit from the game.
Kim Whee-jip of the Heroes was particularly impactful, initiating the scoring outburst with a leadoff single and later delivering a critical two-run hit that expanded his team’s lead. This performance not only underscored the Heroes’ offensive prowess but also highlighted their tactical approach, exploiting Ryu’s challenges in pitch placement and velocity.
Ryu, a celebrated pitcher who returned to the KBO with the Eagles after an 11-year tenure in Major League Baseball, has found his comeback season marred by struggles. Despite a promising career in the MLB with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, Ryu’s adjustment back to the Korean league has been fraught with difficulties, evident in his 0-2 record and inflated 8.36 ERA after three starts.
The matchup, which drew a sellout crowd, underscored the significant public interest in Ryu’s return to the KBO, a narrative that has captivated fans since his high-profile signing in February. However, Friday’s game, Ryu’s first at the Gocheok Sky Dome since its opening, did little to quell concerns about his current form and ability to adjust to the league’s hitters.
As Ryu and the Eagles reflect on this setback, they must regroup and strategize for the remainder of the season, hoping to recapture the form that once made Ryu one of the most dominant pitchers in the KBO.
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