“We’re playing more confidently, more aggressively.”
The NC Dinos have benefited from their bullpen this season. The bullpen has a team ERA of 3.64 (4th) and a walks allowed per inning (WHIP) of just 1.36 (2nd)바카라. Despite losing closer Kim Jin-ho to a shoulder injury in May, the team overcame the setback with a synergistic combination of depth from the Futures (second-tier) team and the bench’s ability to put pitchers in at the right time. With the system in place, even if the starters falter in the second half, the bullpen more than makes up for it. The bullpen has been dominant in the second half with a 2.75 ERA and 1.24 WHIP (2nd best).
The NC bullpen has been a force to be reckoned with this season, but it’s also been the setup man who has been the difference between a win and a loss. Enter Jin-wook Ryu (27). Ryu has appeared in 42 games this season with 12 saves, a 1.31 ERA, and a 0.87 WHIP. When asked about his overall contributions on the mound, NC head coach Kang Myung-hwa was quick to point out that Ryu’s delivery has improved.
“Both his forkball and his cutter, which he’s throwing well now, have very high pitch value,” Kang said of Ryu’s performance this season. “Especially in the eighth inning, he’s been pitching every time, and I think he’s fulfilling his role,” Kang said.
According to Sports2i, the KBO’s official statistical organization, Ryu’s average fastball velocity has steadily increased since 2021. In 2021, it was 144.4 kilometers, but it jumped to 146.3 kilometers last year, and this year it’s even faster at 147.3 kilometers. This makes it easier to take advantage of batters’ timing, as the difference in velocity is even greater. The improvement in his fastball and changeup also led to confidence.
“I had fewer ups and downs on the mound than last year,” Kang said, “and as my velocity increased, so did my confidence. I’m seeing better pitches now that my forkball is more complete.”