Daejeon: Hanwha Eagles right-hander Ryan Weiss delivered an outstanding performance in Game 4 of the Korean Series against the LG Twins, limiting them to one run on four hits over 7 2/3 innings while striking out seven.
According to Yonhap News Agency, despite Weiss's dominant showing, the Eagles squandered their advantage as the bullpen allowed six runs in the top of the ninth inning, leading to a 7-4 defeat. This loss placed the Eagles in a precarious position, trailing 3-1 in the best-of-seven Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) championship series.
Weiss, prioritizing the team's success over his individual performance, expressed his dissatisfaction following the loss. "The goal in the playoffs is to win. We didn't win last night," he stated before Game 5 of the series at Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark. "I know I wasn't happy about it. I don't think anybody else on our team was happy about it. It doesn't matter how well I did or how bad I did. I care about winning and we didn't win."
Initially leading 3-0 when Weiss exited with two outs in the eighth inning, he had shown determination to continue despite reaching a season-high pitch count of 117. However, after allowing a double to Shin Min-jae, Weiss was replaced, and the bullpen subsequently faltered.
Prior to this game, Weiss hadn't thrown more than 100 pitches since August 7. Now, with the Eagles on the brink of elimination, they might consider utilizing Weiss in relief during key moments in Game 6 on Sunday or a potential Game 7 on Monday.
Weiss emphasized focusing on the immediate challenge, saying, "To be honest, right now, I'm not worried about Game 6 or Game 7. We need to win tonight and then we'll worry about Game 6 and Game 7."
Adding a personal note, Weiss shared that a win would have been particularly meaningful as he was pitching with his wife, Hailey Brooke, and father-in-law, Mike McFadden, in attendance, and it was also his wedding anniversary. "I love pitching in front of family. I know they love me regardless of how I do," he said, underscoring the importance of his family in his life.