Ryu Hyun-jin gives 2 runs in 5 innings by banking on fastballs

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin (30) displayed stable performance by giving five hits (including two homers) and two runs during five innings at a home game against the New York Mets, which took place at the Dodgers Stadium on Friday. Ryu finished the fifth inning with a score of 3-2 in his team’s favor to be qualified for a winning pitcher, but as his relief pitcher Chris Hatcher allowed a run to tie the game, the Korean pitcher will have no choice but to wait until next game to seek his fourth win in this season.

Ryu gave a homer to Curtis Granderson, the Mets’ first batter, in the top of the first inning but soon regained a sense of stability. He displayed a proactive play by banking on his fastballs with a top speed of 149.6 kilometers per hour on the day. He pitched 38 of his 86 pitches as fastballs on the day, increasing the portion of fastballs to 44 percent. Even when facing a crisis in the top of the fifth inning with the runners on the first and second bases, he pitched a fastball to secure a double play, overcoming the crisis on his own. He threw 18 curves, 15 changeups, and nine cutters, and six sliders. As the power of his fastballs increased, the effect of his breaking balls also escalated in tandem. He saw his ERA improve from 4.35 to 4.30.

The fact Ryu gave two runs only due to two homers is regrettable. He has given 14 homeruns in 13 games overall this season. Despite having some leeway in the number of his pitches, he needs stronger trust from Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts. “I had no choice but to follow the manager’s decision,” Ryu said after the game. “I told (pitching coach Rick Honeycutt) that I can throw more pitches,” in expressing regret.

Hong-Gu Kang windup@donga.com