WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — South Korean pitcher Ryu Hyun-Jin surrendered just one run in six innings in another sparkling performance Thursday that lifted the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-2 win over the Pirates in Pittsburgh.
Yasmani Grandal hit one of three Dodgers home runs as Los Angeles notched their 90th win of the season.
But Grandal was full of praise for Ryu, who gained his third straight victory.
“He attacked the zone, started pitching in the strike zone and all of a sudden he’s into the sixth inning and cruising,” Grandal said.
“I think we’ve seen a couple of things from him, from the beginning of the year till now, that allowed him to get to where he’s at right now. It’s allowed him to go longer in the outing.
“Later in the game, he’s still throwing his best pitches and I think he’s just going to get stronger from here on out.”
Ryu allowed only three baserunners over his final four innings. He has now allowed three runs or less in nine straight appearances.
“My second half of the season, I’m getting a feel for the game, commanding more pitches,” Ryu said.
“I still have some things to work on. I think I’ve developed my command a little bit more so I can pitch six or seven innings.”
© Agence France-Presse