Seoul: After striking out his third consecutive Doosan Bears batter and preserving his team's lead, Kiwoom Heroes reliever Oh Seok-joo celebrated with an unexpected display of emotion during their Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) game. "I had no idea I did that," Oh remarked, reflecting on his reaction after the Heroes secured a 4-1 victory at Jamsil Baseball Stadium.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the game saw the Heroes leading 3-1 going into the bottom of the eighth inning. Reliever Yun Seok-won replaced starter Raul Alcantara but soon found himself in a precarious situation, putting the tying run on base. Oh stepped in and struck out Oh Myeong-jin, Jake Cave, and Hong Seong-ho consecutively to maintain the lead.
Oh Seok-joo's performance extended his scoreless streak to 20 1/3 innings over 17 appearances, with his last run allowed dating back to June 26. Despite the pressure of such a streak, Oh emphasized the importance of staying present and focusing on each game. "I'm just going about my business and getting ready for every game," he stated.
The right-hander attributes his success to his ability to concentrate solely on pitching, disregarding potential distractions. "I wasn't paying attention to runners on base. My biggest goal was just to make my pitches," he explained, highlighting his strategy to maintain control during high-pressure moments.
Oh is experiencing a standout season, surpassing his previous career records by appearing in 49 games and pitching 54 1/3 innings this year. He credited his interim manager, Seol Jong-jin, and coaching staff for their unwavering support. "He and other coaches always try to cheer me up," Oh said, expressing gratitude for the positive energy they provide.
Despite the Heroes facing a challenging season, poised for their third consecutive last-place finish, Oh remains optimistic about the team's future. "I believe we will be better and stronger next season," he asserted, encouraging his teammates to focus on their individual performances rather than the standings.
Oh also shared insights into his personal development, revealing his interest in reading as a method of self-improvement. He is currently reading "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu and a book by German author Martin Wehrle. "It's a way of pushing myself when I find myself getting lazy," Oh noted, advocating for the benefits of reading over digital distractions.