SPORTS BRIEFS

FOOTBALL

Seoul unable to take lead in 0-0 game against Shandong

FC Seoul had a disappointing night on Tuesday as it failed to score in the fourth round of Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) group stage match. Seoul tied 0-0 with Chinese Super League team Shandong Luneng FC.

Playing at its home pitch in Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, had ACL leading scorer Carlos Adriano and Dejan Damjanovic in the offense in the hopes of securing a win early in the game. But the K-League team was unable to break Shandong Luneng’s defense despite consistent attempts.

After a tight first half, Seoul’s Ko Kwang-min came close to scoring in the 70th minute when his volley off the pass by Damjanovic just missed the goal.

Seoul manager Choi Yong-soo sent in Seoul’s star striker Park Chu-young, who is recovering from a foot injury, into the game in the 80th minute in a vain attempt to bolster the offense. ?

After Tuesday’s draw, Seoul will now have to wait until the fifth round match against Buriram United of Thailand on April 20 to secure its position in the Round of 16. “We are in the lead in the group standings, yes, but nothing is certain in football,” said Seoul manager Choi.

BASEBALL

Oh gets three strikeouts as Cardinals lose to Pirates

Saint Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Oh Seung-hwan had yet another clean sheet performance yesterday in his second Major League Baseball (MLB) game.

In the away game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at the PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Oh went to the mound in the sixth inning and grabbed three quick strikeouts to finish the inning.

Oh had his first strikeout against Pirates shortstop Jordy Mercer. At 1-1 count, Oh threw a slider travelling 85 miles per hour and got Mercer to swing and miss. Oh also struck out Pirates Matt Joyce with a four seam fastball at 2-2 count. Oh then threw three strikes straight against designated hitter John Jaso.

What was most impressive about Oh’s performance during his second inning in the big league was that he grabbed three strikeouts with only 12 pitches, seven straight balls and five sliders according to the MLB.com statistics. ?Despite Oh’s effort, the Cardinals lost to the Pirates 5-6.

BY CHOI HYUNG-JO