It was a spring training camp where the step-up of SSG Landers pitcher Song Young-jin and infielder Ko Myung-jun was confirmed.
SSG Landers will return through Incheon International Airport on the 5th after finishing the second spring camp held in Okinawa, Japan.
SSG focused on improving its game sense through four practice games during this spring camp. The team put all efforts into the competition among promising players and strengthening team depth. Additionally, veteran players who trained in Kagoshima also completed their preparation for the exhibition games in perfect physical condition.
After finishing the second camp, manager Lee Soon-yong noted, "After satisfactorily completing the first spring camp in Florida, the team came to Japan, and it seems that the second camp also provided good motivation for players through the games. The performance of the young players has improved, and the veteran players who joined from Kagoshima came in great shape, so I am more satisfied. I believe the parts we have been preparing and planning since last year's offseason will lead to results, giving players a boost in confidence."
The camp MVPs were pitcher Song Young-jin (2G 5 innings, no earned runs, 6 strikeouts) and infielder Ko Myung-jun (4G batting average .500, 6 hits in 12 at-bats, 2 walks). Ko Myung-jun has been selected for the camp MVP for two consecutive years, following last year's second spring camp in Taiwan.
Pitcher MVP Song Young-jin expressed, "I am relieved that the preparation we did during the offseason has yielded good results in both the first and second spring camps. I think of this as another beginning and will prepare diligently for exhibition and regular season games to achieve even better results. I believe the competition for the fifth starter will continue until the end and I will train and study hard to seize the opportunity."
Infielder MVP Ko Myung-jun remarked, "I am happier that the efforts and preparations I made since last year's promising player camp have led to good results in games, and it seems I have been recognized for that. I feel I have improved in timing and swing trajectory compared to last year. Receiving the camp MVP for two consecutive years is a sign to be responsible and do well, and this year I will definitely contribute greatly to the team."
Meanwhile, SSG team will take a day off on the 6th and move to Daegu on the 7th to prepare for exhibition games. SSG will play a two-game exhibition series against the Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park starting on the 8th, followed by matches against Hanwha Eagles, Kiwoom Heroes, and LG Twins on the 10th at Incheon SSG Landers Field. They will play an exhibition game against KIA Tigers at Gwangju Kia Champions Field starting on the 17th.
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