KT Wiz closer Kim Jae-yoon (김재윤) has recorded 20 saves for the fourth consecutive year.
Kim pitched one inning of scoreless relief against the KT Wiz in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on Friday, striking out one and walking none.
Taking the mound in the bottom of the ninth inning with KT leading 1-0, Kim struck out leadoff hitter Ahn Jae-seok. Jose Rojas hit a sharp pitch, but it was caught straight at the first baseman, and Yang Seok-hwan’s big hit was caught by the center fielder in front of the fence to end the game. KT won 1-0 and extended its winning streak to three games.
Kim Jae-yoon earned his 20th save of the season by preserving KT’s one-run victory, becoming the sixth pitcher in KBO history to record 20 saves in four consecutive years. He joins the likes of Lim Chang-yong (1997-2000), Jin Pil-jung (1999-2002), Choi Soo-joon (2002-2005), Koo Dae-sung (1996-2007, 2001-2005 overseas, seven years in a row), and Son Seung-rak (2012-2018, seven years in a row).
In a postgame interview, Kim Jae-yoon said, “With today’s save, I have reached 20 saves for the fourth consecutive year. It’s not so much about my personal record as it is that I was able to keep the team’s momentum going with my longest save in a long time,” said Kim, who was pleased with the team’s victory.
“Kim Jae-yoon, who emphasized that the team started at the bottom of the standings this season, said, “I’ve been following (Jang) Sung-woo-hyung’s lead, making accurate pitches in each situation and throwing with more energy. I think that’s why I’m getting good results,” he said.
Kim, who will be eligible for free agency for the final time this year, is having his best season yet this season with a 3-2 record, 20 saves and a 1.43 ERA in 39 games (44 innings). In 461 career games (483 innings), he has a 42-30 record, 17 shutouts, 157 saves, and a 3.52 ERA.
As one of the best closers in the country, Kim is expected to be one of the biggest names in the upcoming free agent market. 토토사이트