Mulder, Scapegoat for Chan-ho’s 4th Win

Again they will meet. The third time this year.

Park Chan-ho (29, Texas Rangers), who is hungry for a winning game, will face with Mark Mulder (25) of Oakland A’s at 9:05 (KST) on July 28th at Park’s home stadium, Arlington Ball Park.

Out of two confrontations with him, Park just recorded 1 draw and 1 loss. In the season-opening game on April 2, Mulder allowed 6 hits and 3 RBIs during 8 innings. On the other hand, Park gave, during 5 innings, 9 hits including 2 homers and 6 RBIs, ending up the game with a loss.

Last 22nd, both demonstrated what an ace is meant to do. Park gave 5 hits with 2 RBIs throughout 8 innings, while Mulder recorded 3 hits and 2 RBIs. But the game drifted past the full nine innings and, thus, ended without win or loss for both of them.

In 6 days, they will meet face to face again, and the game will be dictated by the two pitchers. Park has shown quality pitching (i.e. pitching at least for the first 6 innings and defending with 3 RBIs or less) throughout the last three games. His condition and performance is on the rise. Above all, his pitching has regained its speed and power. Rangers’ manager Jerry Narron confirmed, “The reason for his turning around lies in the returning of his fast balls’ power.” Even though the speed reached 151 km, his balls were out of power and that is why Park still gives hope for the rest of the season.

A southpaw, Mulder is one of the pitchers Oakland heavily relies on. He has recorded during this season 11 wins and 5 losses with 3.40 ERA. His tall statue (198 m) adds more power to his balls hovering around 150 km. He also boasts of excellent curve balls, rendering it hard for Texas hitter to make hits.

Last time Park (6.75 ERA, and 3 wins and 5 losses) won a game was on June 24, almost a month ago, against Pittsburgh Pirates.

This year, the luck has never smiled on Park. When he pitched well, the relievers blew up games. In other times, hitters did well, but Park himself messed up games. Although he is a starting member, his record is even lower than that of Kim Byung-hyun (4 wins and 1 loss), the reliever of Arizona Diamondbacks. Wondering whether in the upcoming game, Park could regain his fame.

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com