"I will play well for a long time like Kim Kwang-hyun and Choi Jung" SSG Landers closer Jo Byung-hyun aims for 20 saves for the second consecutive year, aspiring to be a national team pitcher

*This content was translated by AI.

SSG Landers' reliable closer Jo Byung-hyun (24) has once again recorded 20 saves this season after a series of ups and downs.

On the 10th, during the home game against Hanwha Eagles at Incheon SSG Landers Field, Jo Byung-hyun entered in the top of the 9th inning with his team leading 4-3 by one run. He recorded his 20th save of the season with a perfect one-inning performance, including one strikeout.

Jo Byung-hyun, who joined the team as a third-round pick in 2021, fulfilled his military obligation early at the Army Baseball Team (Sangmu) and began taking responsibility for protecting leads after returning in 2024. Last season, he achieved 30 saves, but this season, opportunities decreased due to the team's struggles. Nevertheless, he secured 20 saves for two consecutive years.

Starting pitcher Pedro Avila delivered a strong performance over six innings, allowing only one run. After maintaining a one-run lead, it was Jo Byung-hyun's turn. Facing Yonatan Peraza, Jo struck out the first batter with a ground ball to right field using mostly fastballs. He then recorded a strikeout against Kim Tae-yeon with a low fastball. Against Heo In-seo, he induced a fly ball to center field with a high fastball, preserving the one-run victory.

Following a 1-0 win the previous day, Jo Byung-hyun secured back-to-back one-run victories. Since becoming the losing pitcher in a game against Hanwha on June 28, he has recorded 11 saves without a decision in wins or losses.

After the game, manager Lee Sung-yong praised Jo Byung-hyun: "Jo Byung-hyun performed his role well and helped secure the victory. I sincerely congratulate him for achieving 20 saves for two consecutive years as a closer who has established himself as one of the representatives of the KBO League."

Jo Byung-hyun humbly remarked, "To achieve a save, it is essential that previous pitchers hold the line and batters score runs. The role of my teammates was crucial in achieving this record. I want to express my gratitude to them."

He repeatedly saved the team in tight situations. Jo Byung-hyun reflected, "When facing high-pressure situations, I naturally feel nervous. However, having pitched in a one-run game the previous day gave me immunity, so I felt less nervous this time."

A painful memory against Peraza became his motivation. "I remembered getting hit by a home run from Peraza in the previous Hanwha game, so I tried to pitch harder today, which led to a good result," he explained. "Rather than focusing on increasing velocity, I adopted a mindset of 'pitch with confidence,' and both my speed and confidence naturally improved."

Starting from the 14th, Jo Byung-hyun will leave his team to participate in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. He stated, "Being part of the national team feels heavy, but I only think about achieving good results. I will do my best with the determination to win every game."

This is just the beginning. His ambition is to become a closer who symbolizes the team. "My goal is not to be a player who shines for one season, but to become a player like Kim Kwang-hyun and Choi Jung, who plays well over a long period," he said. "I want to play baseball consistently without getting injured."

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*This content was translated by AI.