Kim Byung-Hyun Earned 7th Save Retiring Ichiro

`An Artist of Strikeouts`, Kim Byung-Hyun (22, Arizona Diamondbacks) won his seventh save, retiring Japan`s pride Suzuki Ichiro.

Kim took the mound yesterday in the bottom of 9th leading 5-3, in an away game with the Seattle Mariners at the Safeco Field in Seattle.

Kim easily captured the lead-off Lampkin with a strikeout, led Guillen to 2nd base groundout, and faced with Ichiro with no-runner after two outs. His first pitch was a strike. Kim perfectly saved the team`s victory as Ichiro popped one to the catcher.

Ichiro was retired with a 2nd base ground out by Park Chan-Ho in the All-Star game on 11th, and thus he recorded no hit in two encounters with Korean pitchers.

Kim earned 7 saves out of 8 attempts, recording 3wins and 2 losses, 7 saves, and 2.95 ERA.

Kim Sang-Soo ssoo@donga.com