Perfect until the 8th inning against Samsung... “Today’s game will never be forgotten even in the distant future.”
Casey Kelly (34), a foreign pitcher for the LG Twins of the professional baseball league, burst into tears during an interview with the broadcasting station after the away game against the Samsung Lions of the 2024 professional baseball league held at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 25th.
He was unable to continue speaking for a while when asked about the fans who have consistently cheered him on, and with a choked voice, he said, “I am grateful to the fans who have consistently cheered me on, whether (the results) are good or bad,” and “I am heartbroken that they are still cheering me on (from the stands).” 파워볼실시간
Kelly, who had been LG's top starter from 2019 to last year, could not turn back the tide this season.
Before today's game, he had been in a slump with 3 wins, 7 losses, and an ERA of 5.13 in 15 games.
Kelly, who had won more than 10 games for five consecutive years, began to be mentioned as a candidate for dismissal at some point.
LG's general manager Cha Myeong-seok boarded a flight to the United States to find a replacement foreign player, and the entire process was made public.
Casey Kelly, who was at a crossroads in his career as a player, pitched the best of his life in the game against Samsung on the 25th.
He pitched a 'perfect game' in which he did not allow a single batter to get on base until the 8th inning.
Although he was unable to make history by giving up a center hit to leadoff hitter Yoon Jeong-bin in the 9th inning with a score of 4-0, the crowd cheered him on.
Kelly, who had a dejected smile on his face, hugged catcher Park Dong-won who came up to the mound.
After catching his breath, he recorded 3 outs and finished the 4-0 victory with a shutout win without a walk.
Kelly, who met with reporters after the game, said, "I was moved by the support from the crowd," and "I shed tears without realizing it."
He reflected, “When I got on the mound in the 9th inning, I tried to concentrate, but the opposing batter was good at attacking the 2nd pitch changeup,” and “It was definitely a situation that could have happened.”
She continued by saying, “Park Dong-won came up to the mound right away and said, ‘It’s amazing that you made it to the plate with a perfect pitch.’
Those words gave me strength and I was able to focus on the game without breaking down any more.”
After allowing a hit, Kelly took off his hat and bowed to first base.