By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
When former All-Star pitcher Park Chan-ho signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers late last year, it was doubtful whether the 34-year-old hurler, considered by some to be past his prime, could revive his storied career.
But Park, the first South Korean export to the U.S. Major Leagues since 1994, has lived up to the expectations of manager Joe Torre and his staff, cementing his status in a somewhat unfamiliar job, a middle reliever, which is his first duty in the big leagues since 1997, when he became the full-time starter.
He delivered three scoreless innings against the reeling National League defending champion Colorado Rockies Thursday at home following a three-inning performance Saturday, when he claimed his second victory of the season.
Relieving southpaw prospect Clayton Kershaw in the sixth inning, Park demonstrated the potency of his pitching while throwing mid-150 kph fastballs. His fastest ball of the game was clocked at 158 kph.
The right-handed hurler fanned first four Rockies Garrett Atkins, Chris Iannetta, Jeff Baker and Omar Quintanilla, who he faced on the day, and added two more strikeouts in the seventh and eighth.
It is the first time for him to get six batters struck out in a game since July 21 2006 while playing for the San Diego Padres.
Although the Dodgers lost 2-1, his strong performance reduced his ERA to 2.21 along with 2-1 and one save in 17 appearances this season.
``Although my conditioning was not good, I started warming up one inning earlier. It was helpful,'' Park said after the game.
Manager Joe Torre said that he pitched great but it was a pity that his solid performance did not lead to a win.
He also said Park and Kuo Hong-chih of Taiwan are doing well in the bullpen.
Along with Thursday's action, Park has been strong in five recent outings, including one start.
He threw 11 2/3 innings and allowed three earned runs.
The Dodgers rank second in the National League West division, trailing behind the Arizona Diamondbacks by 3 1/2 games.