Dodgers` Ryu Hyun-jin displays perfect pitching in 2 innings after injury

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin completed this season’s first exhibition game on Thursday in a cheerful mood by displaying perfect pitching during two innings.

Ryu started at the exhibition game against the San Diego Padres held at Peoria Stadium in Arizona. Throwing 30 pitches during two innings, Ryu garnered two strikeouts and allowed no hit, which was close to perfect pitching. He skipped the team’s training due to a minor injury after the opening of its spring training, and took the mound later than the original schedule, but managed to dispel concern by displaying quality pitching.

Thursday’s game was effectively a showdown between players comprised primarily of this season’s starting members of the two teams. In consideration of national broadcasting by Major League Network, both teams formed their members with their key players. As for exhibition games, games between teams in the National League are also convened based on the designated hitter system.

Ryu faced off as his first batter William Myers, a midfielder and former MVP of the American League in the 2013 season. Myers fouled three off, hit a 130-km changeup, and was out by hitting a fly ball to the shortstop. The third batter Matt Kemp, Ryu`s former teammate, was grounded out, and Ryu finished the first inning with 15 pitches.

He continued pitching without allowing a single run in the second inning as well. Facing San Diego Padres` cleanup hitter Justin Upton, Ryu was put under pressure with ball count 3-0, but pitched a 147-km fastball and Upton hit a fly ball to the center fielder. Upton widely swung Ryu’s changeup (134 km per hour) and missed the ball, with a ball count 3-1. Ryu garnered his first strikeout from Carolos Quentin, the designated batter, and another strikeout from the next batter before leaving the mound in an upbeat mood. During the game, Ryu`s fastest ball was measured 149 km per hour and slowest measured 115 km. He pitched 22 strikes, displaying stable ball control.

Padres` starting pitcher James Shields displayed good pitching by securing five strikeouts during three innings. After the two teams staged a tight race between pitchers, the LA Dodgers won the game 1-0, as Dodger rookie Joc Pederson had a solo homer over the right side fence in the top of the ninth inning.

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