Demotion, No Way Says Byeong Hyeon.

Only one day after demoted as a set-up man, Boston Red Sox Kim Byeong-hyeon (24), Korea`s nuclear submarine`, won his 7th save in the season.

Kim appeared in the bottom of 8th inning in the match against the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday held in the Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States. He pitched 1 2/3 innings, two strike-outs, one hit but without a run.

The Boston had 6 runs the top of 9th inning much attributed to a grand slam homer. The Boston won the game by 14-8 and Kim Byeong-hyeon became the winning pitcher.

Kim could add additional winning in 18 days since the match against Oakland Athletics on August 15 and his ERA has also dropped from 3.80 to 3.71. Kim now has the record of 7 win, 9 losses and 11 saves. His stunning pitching yesterday would have been a great chance for Kim to recover his trust from manager Grady Little.

Kim went to the mound as the fifth pitcher following left handed pitcher Alan Embree. He easily finished 8th inning by inducing Pat Burrell to hit a grounder which turned out to be a double player that sent away Jim Tommy, the runner form first, as well.

As his team earned 6 points in the first of the 9th inning, and led the match by 13-9, much attributed to Trot Nixon`s bases-loaded homer Boston, Kim could go to the mound with less pressure. Kim struck out Chase Utley and sent away Thomas Perez by a grounder to third. Kim, then, allowed one two-base hit by Ricky Ledee. Kim, however, struck out the next batter, Marlon Byrd, and maintained the team`s victory.

His pitching on the day was so offensive that 14 out of 18 balls were strikes.

Meanwhile, Chicago Cubs Big Choi, Choi Hee-seop (24), who played his Minor League fare well match yesterday. He earned 5 points out of the total of 6 points on the day against Oklahoma Red Hawks and recorded 3 hits in 4 at bat along with 6 runs batted in.

He had been demoted to the Minor League since August 20. Since then, he compiled .311 bat. avg., 5 homers, 12 hits, 8 runs out of 12 games. He is likely to play in the upcoming match against Saint Louis Cardinals today.

Chang Jeon jeon@donga.com