More than 21 years since Oh Seung-hwan! 'Japanese-born' Kiwoom Yuto achieves 10 holds and 10 saves in his first year → Second in KBO history, first foreign investor to do so

*This content was translated by AI.

Kanakubo Yuto (27), a Japanese relief pitcher for Kiwoom Heroes, has etched his name in KBO League history with a monumental achievement. This marks the first time since 'the final boss' Oh Seung-hwan (44, retired from Samsung Lions) that a debut-year pitcher has recorded 10 holds and 10 saves — an unprecedented feat achieved 21 years later. It is also the first time in league history that a foreign investor pitcher has accomplished this milestone.

On the 22nd, Yuto appeared as a relief pitcher in a home game against Samsung Lions at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out four batters, securing the team's victory and earning his 10th hold of the season.

With this performance, Yuto, who had already recorded 12 saves earlier in the season, reached the milestone of 10 holds and 12 saves in a single season. The KBO League's all-time record for a single season with 10 holds and 10 saves is the 24th such achievement in league history and the fifth for the Heroes franchise. Among players on the Heroes roster, pitchers who have achieved 10 holds and 10 saves include Kim Tae-hyuk (formerly Kim Sang-soo) in the 2018 season, Kim Tae-hoon (currently with Samsung Lions) in the 2021 season, and Kim Jae-woong and Lee Seung-ho in the 2022 season.

Notably, achieving this record in a debut season is only the second time in KBO League history, following Oh Seung-hwan of Samsung in 2005 (with 11 holds and 16 saves), and it is the first time for a foreign investor pitcher. Since this feat requires versatility across all relief roles, Yuto has become the first-ever 'all-around foreign investor relief pitcher' in the 44th-year history of the KBO League.

Early in the season, Yuto studied the tendencies of Korean batters and actively utilized high-velocity fastballs to enhance his effectiveness. He seamlessly alternated between closing and middle-relief roles whenever the team needed him, serving as a steadfast pillar on the mound.

After the game, Yuto met with reporters and commented on reaching the 10th holds and 10 saves milestone: "It hasn't fully sunk in yet since the game just ended." He added, "I noticed that Korean batters have strong power and find high pitches relatively challenging. After undergoing elbow ligament reconstruction surgery in 2018, I adjusted my pitching form, which improved my fastball rotation. Confidently throwing high-fastballs led to these positive results."

He continued, "Rather than focusing on Oh Seung-hwan's record or the title of being the first foreign investor, I simply want to contribute to the team's victory in any situation. Whether it's a save opportunity or a hold situation, regardless of my assigned role, I will finish the rest of the season with the mindset of always shutting down opponents scorelessly."

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*This content was translated by AI.