Pitcher Ko Young-pyo anchors KT Wiz's league-leading surge

KT Wiz pitcher Ko Young-pyo stands as a central figure in the team's dominant second-half performance in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). The team has achieved a remarkable 0.923 winning percentage since the All-Star break, suffering only one loss in 14 games. This surge has propelled KT from third place at the mid-season mark to the top of the league standings, holding a 1.5-game lead over second-place Samsung. The team's success is largely attributed to a vastly improved pitching staff, which lowered its ERA from 4.72 in the first half (8th in the league) to 2.69 in the second half (best in the league). Ko Young-pyo, a sidearm starter, has been particularly stellar, pitching 20 scoreless innings over three second-half starts and securing victories in each. He currently holds a season record of 9 wins, 6 losses, and a 3.64 ERA, ranking second among domestic pitchers in innings pitched. His effective use of a changeup and a newly added sweeper has baffled hitters. The bullpen has also been a strong support, recording the most holds in the second half, with foreign reliever Sugimoto being a standout performer. Offensively, foreign hitter Hilliard is delivering powerful performances, leading the team in home runs and RBIs, and is a contender for the monthly MVP award. The team's strong showing is also bolstered by strategic offseason acquisitions and consistent support from club management, aiming for their second championship since 2021.

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Ko Young-pyo is leading the team to victory with perfect pitching reminiscent of his prime.