Seo-Kim Contest Ends in Dodger Win

Even in the U.S., the home of Major League baseball, it is extremely rare that one high school should produce two big leaguers. It is even rarer that both players becoming starting pitchers. Guess how rare it is when the two face each other in a game. Both Seo Jae-ung (29, Los Angeles Dodgers) and Kim Byung-hyun (27, Colorado Rockies) are Gwangju First High School alumni.

The two started in the Dodgers versus Colorado match yesterday at Dodger Stadium. It was the first time in major league history that two Korean starters have faced each other. The game’s result was in favor of Seo, who was aided by tight defense by the fielders. Kim lost the game but exhibited good pitches.

The outcome of the game was decided by defense. Seo, helped by his fielders, notched his second win of the season. Pitching for seven innings, Seo recorded 6 hits and 1 run (not earned). In the first inning, with one out and runners on first and third, Matt Holiday hit a sacrificing fly ball to drive in a run for Rockies.

But Dodgers fielders took care of their business from the second inning. In the second inning, with a runner on first, the Rockies` Danny Ardoin hit a double; but Dodgers catcher Russell Martin caught Corry Sullivan at home with an artful block. In the third, Seo allowed Garret Atkins a hit to the right. But J.D. Drew, the right fielder, nailed Luis Gonzalez trying to advance to third. With One out and base loaded later that inning, infielders Rafael Furcal and Jeff Kent made a picture-perfect double play and closed the inning.

On the other side, Kim Byung-hyun threw for six innings, allowing 6 hits and 1 earned run. Unlike Seo, Kim didn’t get much help from his fielders. In the third inning, first baseman Todd Helton made an error that let Rafael Furcal take a base. Kim allowed a double to José Cruz, Jr., putting runners on first and third. Kim allowed two more hits that Dodgers used to score two runs. The Dodgers won the game, 6-1. Both pitchers recorded quality starts (6 or more innings pitched with 3 runs or less).

uni@donga.com