KK pregame
Happy that team won the game. First experience as closer. Was a bit nervous. Will be better next time. Not clean game for him. Have to improve every game. (he repeated this many times throughout)
Baseball is about momentum and his first pitch was a ball. Error (on Edman), but it was hard-hit. He saw it as a base hit.
Slider did not break as much as he thought. Wasn’t as good as it was in exhibition games.
After the game, teammates poured bottled water and all other kinds of drinks on him (to celebrate first save). Some went in his ear but he is fine. Trainer will write details on the ball and give it to him.
First game in big leagues, honored. He is 32 years old and seems like biggest dream. Was nervous because not much experience as closer.
Closer routine different from starter routine. Will have to learn to be ready whenever he gets the call.
Am in good condition today to pitch if called on. But have to be ready even on days when not feeling good.
In response to my question, the baseball in US is bigger and the seams are thicker than in KBO. But he has had 6 months to get used to it and all others coming in have to do the same. Not an excuse.