'43-year-old left-handed pitcher' Ko Hyo-jun sets KBO 1st and 2nd division combined record as oldest winning pitcher in a match against Sangmu → Ulsan continues to lead the Southern League

*This content was translated by AI.

Ulsan Whales, bolstered by 'veteran left-handed pitcher' Ko Hyo-jun (43) achieving a historic milestone and the strength of their "saltwater" mound, firmly maintained their top position in the Futures League Southern League.

On the 4th, Ulsan secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the second game of a doubleheader against Sangmu at Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium. With this win, Ulsan improved their season record to 20 wins and 10 losses, continuing their charge to the top of the Southern League. Earlier, the first game of the doubleheader, originally scheduled for 4:30 p.m. that afternoon, was cancelled due to field conditions.

The game held as scheduled unfolded as a tense pitching duel. Starting left-hander Park Seong-ung held the line for four innings without allowing a run, laying the foundation. Then, with the score tied 0-0, Ko Hyo-jun entered the game and shut out the opposition for 1⅔ innings to earn the win. The late innings were secured by Kim Do-gyu, who pitched 1⅓ scoreless innings to record his seventh save of the season and protect the team's victory.

In particular, left-hander Ko Hyo-jun once again broke the KBO record for the oldest winning pitcher. At the age of 43 years, 2 months, and 26 days, Ko took the mound and showcased his veteran prowess, demonstrating his presence as a key member of the team's bullpen.

The turning point came in the bottom of the fifth inning. With leadoff batter Noh Kang-min hitting a ground ball to center field and Kim Sung-gyeon hit by a pitch, the bases were loaded with no outs. Park Moon-soon's sacrifice bunt advanced the runners to second and third with one out. Then, on Kim Seo-won's ground ball to first base, the runner from third scored, tallying the game's only run and the go-ahead run.

After the game, Ko Hyo-jun expressed his thoughts through the Ulsan club: "I am happy to have contributed to the team's victory. Playing alongside young players has given me good energy, and by focusing on my assigned role, I believe good results followed. I will maintain this momentum until the end of the season."

Ulsan Manager Jang Won-jin also praised the team, stating, "The pitchers maintained their focus until the end and performed their roles perfectly." He added, "Park Seong-ung set the tone well as the starter, and Ko Hyo-jun and Kim Do-gyu held the line at crucial moments." He further noted, "It was significant that the lineup scored the necessary runs. Accumulating games like this will make the team even stronger."

Having secured a victory at home, Ulsan now heads on the road. Starting from the 6th, they will face Doosan in a three-game series in Icheon, followed by a three-game series against LG starting on the 9th, embarking on a six-game road trip to strengthen their hold on the top spot.

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*This content was translated by AI.