Byung-Hyun Marks up One More Save

Byung-Hyun Kim of the Boston Red Sox worked out his ninth save.

In a home game held yesterday against the Baltimore Orioles, Kim took the mound in the ninth with his team leading the game 6-3. Kim worked the ninth and allowed a homer before getting his ninth save in 10 chances.

His ninth save set another personal record. He has pitched 98 2/3 so far. Previously, he pitched 98 innings in 2001. This season, Kim has thrown 72 innings as starters, and 26 2/3 as closer.

Yesterday, things seemed a piece of cake up to the two outs. He grounded out the first hitter, and popped out the next.

But he allowed a single shot to Brook Fordyce. Then, he allowed a hit and a walk. Fortunately, however, he grounded out Roberts and defended his team`s lead.

Kim last allowed a home run in an away against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 23rd. His ERA got worse a little from 3.41 to 3.47.

On the other hand, Jae Weong Seo of the New York Mets failed to mark up his sixth win despite his excellent pitching.

Pitching as starter for the Mets in an away against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Seo allowed only one run on four this and three walks. It was his 12th quality pitching. After allowing a triple in the bottom third, Seo gave up one point on the following sacrifice. The Mets also scored one and tied the game in the top fourth. But, it failed to produce more. After Seo taking off in the seventh, the Mets allowed a single shot to Finley in the ninth, and lost the game to the Diamondbacks.

jaeyuna@donga.com