Kim 6 neat innings for 1st MLB win, Cardinals blank Reds 3-0

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Kwang Hyun Kim pitched six sharp innings and earned his first major league win as the St. Louis Cardinals blanked the Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on Saturday night.

Kim gave up three hits, walked none and struck out three. This was his third game for St. Louis and second start.

“This is something that I dreamed of from when I was child,” Kim said through an interpreter. “And so, it’s been it’s been a long time, but I made my dream come true. So, it’s one of those nights that I cannot forget.”

The 32-year-old left-hander signed with the Cardinals in the winter after going 136-77 over 12 seasons in South Korea.

Kim’s journey to his first major league win wasn’t easy. When spring training was halted in March because of the virus outbreak, his family couldn't leave South Korea for a planned visit to the United States.

Once baseball resumed, he was relegated to the bullpen before injuries moved him back into the rotation. But before he could make a start, the team had to sit out for two weeks due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the club.

“I can’t say enough about this guy’s attitude. And he’s just a take-it-as-it-comes kind of guy and he’s got a positive mindset, which I appreciate,” Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said. “And he’s got a grateful heart, which I appreciate. And he’s got a heart of a lion that’s going to compete regardless of when and where you fit him for the team.”

Kim isn’t content with the strong outing and would like to improve on his fastball velocity.

“I had no walks allowed so that’s one thing I really think it was great,” Kim said. “But I need to still improve. For example, there were some full counts. So, for next time I need to improve to be more aggressive.”

Cardinals relievers John Gant,...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Kim-6-neat-innings-for-1st-MLB-win-Cardinals-15507983.php