Park Chan-Ho, Fourth Victory

Korean Express, Park Chan-Ho (28, LA Dodgers), who had recovered from back spasms, won the fourth victory, tossing a 7 scoreless innings. He broke through 1,000 innings in this game.

Park pitched seven innings and led LA Dodger’s 3-2 victory, while allowing just three hits and four walks in front of home fans at Dodger Stadium. He showed most fabulous performance in this season, lowering his ERA from 3.5 to 3.08 and recording eight strikeouts.

Park pitched 1,000 and 1/3 innings and recorded 69 wins and 46 losses, and of ERA 3.83 for 8 years.

Park must have been nervous until the end of the game because of Chan-Ho helpers (`Dowumi`)’ dormant performance. Recently, while recording 1 win and 4 losses, LA Dodgers team was chased down to 1.5 game by San Diego Padres, ranked in the last of National league West Division.

Dodgers blew out the consecutive scoring chances by lack of timely hits through two innings. But, fortunately, Mark Grudzielanek created a chance to score by advancing to first base with a single in the third inning, and Eric Karros brought Grudzielanek home.

Dodgers led a 3-0 by Grudzielanek’s homer and Mike Fetters who replaced Park allowed a two-run blast, but closer Jeff Shaw kepd Park’s win with a perfect inning.

The Dodgers’ left fielder, Sheffied who has been a Chan-ho`s helper, recorded no hit out of three batters, but he assisted Park`s win with outstanding defense. Sheffield recorded just four hits out of 22 batters, 0.182 BA in the games that Park took the mound, but overall 0.333 BA, 10 homers and 23 RBI.

Park Chan-Ho will take the mound in an away game with Montreal Expos, at 7: 55 on next wednesday morning.

Zang Hwan-Soo zangpabo@donga.com