'The $130,000 Miracle': Japanese Closer Hanwha's Batting Line Stalls Even with 'No Outs, Runners on 1st and 3rd'... The Secret Behind the Slider That Boosted Fastball Efficiency

*This content was translated by AI.

Yuto Kanakubo (27, Kiwoom Heroes) is leading Kiwoom's upward momentum. Yuto is responsible for a significant portion of the team's ability to reach a .500 win rate in June.

On the 14th, in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against Hanwha at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, Yuto entered in relief in the top of the 9th inning. After allowing two hits and showing signs of struggle, he cleanly retired the next three batters, securing a 3-2 team victory and earning a save.

With Yuto's performance securing back-to-back saves, Kiwoom extended its winning streak to three games and escaped from last place for the first time since the 24th.

Kiwoom took an early lead in the bottom of the 2nd inning, but Hanwha tied the game in the 4th and 5th innings before taking the lead. However, Kiwoom tied the score again in the bottom of the 5th. Both starting pitchers, who completed five innings, were relieved, and a bullpen battle began from the 6th inning. The score remained tightly tied at 2-2 until the top of the 8th, but Kiwoom took a one-run lead in the bottom of the 8th.

Then came the top of the 9th. Manager Seol Jong-jin of Kiwoom chose Yuto. Before the game, he had announced his intention to use both Yuto and Won Jong-hyun as closers depending on the situation. "We will operate the 8th and 9th innings flexibly by checking the daily condition and prioritizing efficiency," he said. "If Yuto pitched yesterday, Won Jong-hyun might take the mound today. We will consider pitch counts and fatigue to set a plan for the 8th and 9th innings."

However, Won Jong-hyun was used first in the 8th. This can be seen as pushing Yuto as far back as possible in preparation for a closing situation.

A fastball thrown to Hwang Young-mok was hit to the center field for a double, and Hanwha adopted a strategy to send a runner to third base to tie the game. Lee Won-seok took a bunting stance. At that moment, first baseman Choi Ju-hwan quickly dashed forward, but the bunted ball unexpectedly fell over Choi's head. The completely unexpected result left Kiwoom in a crisis with no outs and runners on 1st and 3rd.

Then Yuto's time unfolded. He repeatedly threw powerful fastballs to Kim Tae-yeon, eventually striking him out with a 150 km/h high fastball for a swing-and-miss strikeout. This was the best possible outcome with no outs. Next, he threw two consecutive fastballs to Moon Hyun-bin, followed by a forkball that induced a foul pop-up by the catcher.

Yoo Min, the hero of the go-ahead hit of the day, stepped up to the plate. Yuto's first two pitches were strikes, but the 3rd, 4th, and 5th pitches were wide, leading to a full count. The situation was such that a single hit would tie the game. Yuto threw a 152 km/h high outside fastball, and Yoo Min's bat swung and missed once again.

Yuto, acquired on an Asian quota for a modest price of $130,000 (approximately 197 million won), struggled in May with an ERA of 5.73, unlike his stable pitching in April. However, in June, he completely rebounded with a record of 1 win, 1 loss, 2 saves, 3 holds, and an ERA of 1.69.

Especially notable is the power of his fastball. Today, 15 of his 21 pitches were fastballs, and he mixed in a new weapon, the slider, to further confuse Hanwha's batters.

After the game, Yuto said, "I am not satisfied with today's game process, but I am happy because we ultimately secured the team victory." He added, "I have recently started increasing my usage rate of the slider. By using the slider in critical moments today, I was able to improve the efficiency of my fastball, and I believe that part was key to securing the team's victory."

On the 13th, he recorded his 10th save of the season, becoming the first foreign player in the KBO League to achieve this feat in 12 years. It is also the first such record for an Asian quota player. He is one of the few Asian quota players who are fulfilling their role.

Yuto said, "I recorded a save yesterday and reached 10 saves. I heard it has been a very long time since a foreign player achieved this in the KBO League. It is also the first for an Asian quota player, so I was happy to set a meaningful record. I hope to continue to contribute steadily to the team's victory in the future."

He holds the stance that he does not need to be a definitive closer. Yuto said, "Recently, I have been alternating between the 8th and 9th innings. I am preparing to throw my pitches whenever I am called upon. I am always trying to show good form, and since my fastball velocity has not dropped, I do not think it will be overly difficult. I will be ready to take the mound whenever the team calls."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.