Ryu Hyun-jin reaches 2,500 career strikeouts; team ties Kiwoom Heroes after bullpen struggles

Hanwha Eagles pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin reached a significant milestone on July 19, recording his 2,500th career strikeout in a KBO league game against the Kiwoom Heroes at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon. This achievement makes Ryu the first Korean pitcher to surpass this mark, combining his KBO and Major League Baseball (MLB) records.

Ryu, who debuted with the Eagles in 2006 before moving to MLB in 2013 and returning to the KBO in 2024, recorded 934 strikeouts during his 11 seasons in the majors. In the KBO, he has amassed 1,572 strikeouts over 10 seasons, bringing his total to 2,506. He previously set records for the youngest player (23 years, 2 months, 25 days) and fewest games (153) to reach 1,000 strikeouts in the league. Ryu also led the league in strikeouts in multiple seasons.

While Ryu's personal achievement was celebrated, the Hanwha Eagles ultimately tied the game 9-9. Ryu pitched 5⅓ innings, allowing 8 hits, 1 walk, and 7 strikeouts while giving up 4 runs. Although he met the criteria for a win, the bullpen's instability and defensive lapses allowed the Kiwoom Heroes to come back and tie the score in the 8th inning. The Eagles, who had led 8-1 earlier in the game, failed to break their three-game losing streak and their six-game losing streak against the Heroes.

In other KBO action, KT Wiz defeated LG Twins 4-1, with pitcher Ko Young-pyo earning his 7th win of the season. The win propelled KT Wiz to second place in the standings, while LG Twins fell to third after a five-game losing streak. Lotte Giants secured an 11-8 comeback victory against Samsung Lions, thanks to a late-game rally. KIA Tigers extended their winning streak to three games with a 9-5 win over SSG Landers, marking manager Lee Beom-ho's 200th career win. Doosan Bears also won their third consecutive game, defeating NC Dinos 10-3.