Kim Byung-Hyun Earned 14 Saves

`Submarine made-in-Korea` Kim Byung-Hyun (22, Arizona Diamondbacks) won his 14th save (4 wins and 3 losses) throwing a perfect inning with no hit and no run.

Kim took the mound from the starter Randy Johnson in the 4-1 ninth, and saved the game retreating three hitters with just seven pitches in game with San Francisco Giants yesterday.

With this save, Kim tied with his own record of last year 14 saves (6 wins and 6 losses), and lowered his ERA from 2.69 to 2.66.

After grounding out the leadoff pinch hitter Marvin Benard, Kim drew the infield popped-up ball from J. T. Snow, who advanced to the first base by the error of the third baseman. But Kim easily wrapped up the game for the save, capturing Benito Santiago with a double play in front of the shortstop.

Pitching 8 innings with 9 strikeouts, 6 hits and 1 ER, Randy Johnson won his 18th victory to share the National League wins leader with his colleague Curt Schilling.

With this victory, NL West leader Arizona is leading over San Francisco by 3.5 games.

On the other hand, LA Dodgers lost to Colorado Rockies 3-4. Ace Kevin Brown perfectly pitched for 5 innings with 2 hits and no run, but the closer Jeff Shaw blew out the 3-2 lead, failing to share the second place.

Zang Hwan-Soo zangpabo@donga.com