Business as usual for Tigers closer on verge of Korean Series title

Kia Tigers closer Jung Hai-young hasn't pitched in the Korean Series since Game 2 last Wednesday. The Tigers lost the third game against the Samsung Lions by 4-2 on Friday and then beat them comfortably 9-2 the following day, not needing their All-Star closer on either occasion. Along the way, Jung, pitching in his first Korea Baseball Organization postseason at age 23, said Monday he has tried to keep things business as usual. "I've been working in the bullpen all the same, trying to stay sharp and take care of my body," Jung said before Game 5 at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, some 270 kilometers south of Seoul. Asked if sitting around for days and waiting for his chance to pitch has made him antsy, Jung said, "That's not the case at all. I think I shook off all the nerves after throwing in the first game. It's been fun to be a part of this series." The Tigers are now a win away from capturing their 12th Korean Series title, and Jung could end up being the pitcher that records the final out. " We will try to finish the series tonight," Jung said. "I haven't given much thought about how I am going to celebrate. I want to lock down the win first and then I think I am going to react to the moment when that happens." Even though Jung had never pitched in these high-stakes games before this season, he said the situation hasn't put any added pressure on him. "I've been closing games for a few years now, and I am not dealing with any extra stress. I've been trying to treat these games like regular-season games," he said. "My preparation hasn't changed. I think I should try to enjoy the moment." While Jung has two Korean Series games under his belt, starter Yoon Young-cheol has yet to take the mound. He would have been lined up for a Game 4 start Friday, but when multiple rain delays pushed that game back by one day, Game 1 starter James Naile got the Game 4 assignment Saturday. For Monday's Game 5, Yang Hyeon-jong is on the hill on four days' rest. Yoon is the likely Game 6 starter Tuesday if the Ti gers don't finish the job Monday, but the 20-year-old left-hander said he would rather see the team win the title in the fifth game. "It doesn't matter if I get to pitch or not. First and foremost, I want to win the championship," Yoon said with a smile. "The team comes first. Even if I don't get to pitch, I'll still get the championship ring. That works for me." Source: Yonhap News Agency