Chan-ho Regains Confidence

Now getting accustomed to American League?

Park Chan-ho (29, Texas Rangers) recorded his first season winning streak. He is on the rise after the break due to the blister on his finger.

In a home game against Baltimore Orioles held on August 29, 2002, at the Arlington Ball Park, Park allowed only 7 hits, 2 walks and 2 RBIs throughout 7 innings. Thus, he got his season 6th win (6 losses), recording second consecutive win after the August 24th win against powerful New York Yankees.

His win against Orioles conveys two meanings. First, he has got over the home game syndrome. When he was with Dodgers, he showed a powerful strength in home games. But after he wore the Rangers’ uniform, his home games were devastating. Before today’s game, his records in home games were poor: 3 wins and 3 losses along with 3.19 ERA. This is the first quality pitching (meaning pitching for more than first 6 innings with less than 4 ERA) out of this year’s 10 home games.

Secondly, he has regained confidence in his pitching. Park’s fluctuating pitching did not gain the trust of Rangers’ coaching staff. But, by winning 2 games in a row with stability, he has proved his ability to spring back. Especially, his beating the powerful New York Yankees has contributed most to his regaining confidence. Thus, he got to put off the smear “Pitcher not worth his salary” and secured a spring board for advance.

As usual, he got off to an unstable starting. In the top 1st, Park allowed 3 consecutive hits including the triple by Hairstone, which led to one score. By this, he recorded 1st inning ERA for 8 consecutive games. But, he sealed off the crisis with a ground out. From 2nd to 4th, he did not give any hit at all, showing perfect pitching. His fast balls just reached up to 150 km. But his curve balls which worked handsome against Yankees got him an advantage again. Baltimore batters could not hit Park’s curve balls falling sharply near the strike zone. He allowed one double leading to one more score in the fifth, but shut out the following two innings without any more hits. He passed the mound to Rodriguez with the game for Rangers 4-2. The final score was for Texas 5-3.

If the Major Leaguers do not go on strike, Park will pitch in an away against Houston on September 3.

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com