Los Angels Dodgers' manager Joe Torre used Hong-Chih Kuo to clean-up the mess back-up close Jonathan Broxton made when he took the mound to open the 8th inning with a 3-1 lead. Kuo earned that trust by compiling very impressive strikeout totals - 33 in 24.1 innings. Last night, he finished the 8th and pitched the 9th. He struck out just one and allowed a run on three hits.
If something were to happen that kept closer Takishi Saito out of the role for an extended period of time, do not be surprised to see Kuo get more of an opportunity than anyone would think. Gaining Joe Torre's trust is more important than pure skill.
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