Seo Jae-weong, Strive for Second Victory

When Seo Jae-weong (age 26·New York Mets) step down from the mound 25,000 home fans of New York Mets gave him a big hand, some were even enthusiastic.

This happened on 21st May, during the U.S. Professional Baseball against the Philadelphia Phillies where Seo allowed five hit, two 4-balls, four strikeouts with mere one point lost for six innings. This was sign of job well done for him. With the cheering of the fans he entered the dugout and received a high-five ceremony from his teammates.

It was sixth innings when Mets was leading with 4-1 score, Seo said, “If the batting lineup backs me up with four points, I`m confident that I`ll win this game.” As if to answer his call the Mets scored two points each in the first and third inning respectively. Seo step down the mound confident of his victory. Till then his second victory in the season was almost in his grasp.

But his relief pitcher ruined his chance. David Wheathers, who relieved Seo in the seventh inning did well until he allowed a 3-2, pitch that Burrell hammered into the left field bleachers to tie the game 4-4.

Burrell was so confident that he didn`t check his hit, Mets` left-fielder Cliff Floyd gave up on the ball as it went over the fence. Seo effort was all for naught. In the end the Mets lost the game with 7-11. Weathers blamed himself for the lost. “Seo did quite well, it was me who ruined everything.”

This isn`t the first time for Seo to lose his chance, in the past nine games of the season, he has recorded one victory (two defeats). His ERA is 3.44 is impressive, which is second to team`s ace, Tom Glabin (3.41) and ranked 25th among the National League pitchers.

In the past five games, Seo showed some excellent pitching for more than six innings in three occasions but never a victory. Mets` batting lineup`s batting average is 0.240, a rather low to support the Seo in his victory. For past five games the lineup scored an average of 2.2 points in each game.

Seo is not depressed by his ill luck. “Its nothing, I`m satisfied with my pitching today,” said Seo cheerfully.

Seo hasn`t recorded a victory since 18th last month, against the Pittsburg Pirates where he earned his first victory after a perfect seven innings of pitching. Seo has another shot at his second victory on 26th against the Atlanta Braves.

Meanwhile Bong Jung-keun of Cincinnati Reds pitched a scoreless seven innings but failed to earn a victory. Choi Hee-seop his Chicago Cubs were forced to postpone their game with the Pittsburgh Pirates due to rain.

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com