Kim K’s 9, Gets the Win in 2006 Debut

Kim Byung-hyun, who started the season in Colorado bullpen, made a dazzling major league comeback. Starting against Florida Marlins at an away game held at Dolphin Stadium yesterday, Kim threw six and 2/3 innings and led the team’s 3-1 victory by allowing only five hits, one walk, and one run. Kim struck out nine batters; the highest number to date in his major league career.

Kim had recorded eight strikeouts against Detroit on June 13 last year. It was an especially sweet victory for Kim, who had been on the injury list and managed to record one loss (ERA 6.23) out of three test starts in the minor leagues. His control was flawless and his pitches were fast. Kim threw 71 strikes among 101 total pitches. He threw the first one in the strike zone for 17 batters out of 26 batters he faced. His fastest pitch at the game was tracked at 150kmph.

Seung-Kun Lee why@donga.com