Ryu Hyun-jin becomes fourth KBO pitcher with 10 straight seasons of 100 strikeouts

Ryu Hyun-jin reached 100 strikeouts for the 2026 season in the fourth inning against the KT Wiz, securing a place in KBO League history with 10 consecutive seasons at the mark.

The Hanwha Eagles veteran entered the game at KT Wiz Park in Suwon with 96 strikeouts. He struck out Ahn Hyun-min and Sam Hilliard in the first inning, then fanned Kim Min-hyuk in the second. In the fourth, Ryu finished off Jang Jun-won with a swinging strikeout after a full-count battle to reach 100.

Ryu made his KBO debut in 2006 and recorded 204 strikeouts in his first season. He posted at least 100 strikeouts every year through 2012 before playing in Major League Baseball from 2013 to 2023. He returned to the KBO in 2024 and has reached three figures in each season since his return.

He is the fourth pitcher to achieve the 10-season streak, following Yang Hyeon-jong, Lee Kang-chul and Jang Won-jun. Yang owns the league record with 11 consecutive seasons reaching 100 strikeouts.