Lotte pitcher Kim Jin-wook gets 10 Ks to start second season

Lotte Giants starter Kim Jin-wook pitches at the bottom of the first inning of a game against the NC Dinos at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, South Gyeongsang on Tuesday. [YONHAP]

Lotte Giants sophomore pitcher Kim Jin-wook threw 10 strikeouts in his first start of the 2022 season on Tuesday, taking the win as the Giants beat the NC Dinos 5-1 at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, South Gyeongsang.

Kim gave up two hits across seven innings pitched, allowing one run — a home run to NC infielder Park Jun-young in the fourth inning — and two walks.

Tuesday's result could mark a big turning point for Kim, who entered the KBO last year widely considered a Rookie of the Year candidate, but struggled to adapt to the senior game.

Kim was drafted by the Giants in the second round of the 2020 rookie draft, although he could have been a first round pick had he not been pushed down a round for transferring region during his amateur career.

He arrived at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan with expectations high — in his last year of high school, Kim had started in 10 games, picking up four wins and a loss to finish the season with a 1.70 ERA throughout 36 and two-thirds innings. He also led Gangneung High School to victory at the 54th President’s Cup National High School Baseball Tournament.

But things didn't start smoothly for the rookie pitcher last season. Kim started the season as a starter, but it was quickly clear that he was struggling to adjust. After three losses and a 10.80 ERA in four starts, Kim was pulled out of the rotation and sent to the bullpen.

The change of pace seemed to work, and Kim quickly clamped down on his control. He earned four relief victories and ended the season with a 6.31 ERA, four wins, six losses and eight holds.

Kim put in the work throughout the second half of last season and the offseason to improve his control, focusing on his curveball to compliment a strong fastball and the wide strike zone the KBO has adopted.

That effort appears to have paid off — Kim pitched eight innings in spring training without giving up a single run, persuading Lotte manager Larry Sutton that he is ready to rejoin the rotation. Tuesday's game was the first time Kim has recorded double-digit strikeouts in the KBO.

That Kim was able to pick up his first win of the year against local rivals NC only sweetened the deal for Giants' fans. Kim also completely shut down former franchise star Son Ah-seop, who joined the Dinos as a free agent this year.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]