The professional baseball SSG Landers started the season on a positive note, achieving two consecutive wins.
SSG won 5-2 in their game against the Doosan Bears in the '2025 Shinhan Bank SOL Bank KBO League' held at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 23rd, achieving two consecutive wins.
Jung Jun-jae led the victory with 2 hits and 3 RBIs in 4 at-bats, while Choi Ji-hoon, Ahn Sang-hyun, and Park Ji-hwan also contributed with multi-hits. Jung Jun-jae also showcased a magnificent diving catch in defense, lightening the load on starting pitcher Kim Gwang-hyun.
Starting pitcher Kim Gwang-hyun recorded the win with 5⅔ innings, allowing 7 hits, 2 walks, striking out 8, and giving up 2 runs. The bullpen, consisting of Han Doo-sol (1 inning, no runs), Noh Kyung-eun (⅓ inning, no runs), Kim Min (1 inning, no runs), and Jo Byeong-hyeon (1 inning, no runs), also secured the team's victory. Jo Byeong-hyeon earned his first save of the season.
In the bottom of the 3rd inning, SSG's lead-off hitter Ko Myung-jun drew a walk, and Ahn Sang-hyun hit a single to create a no-out first and second base situation. Park Ji-hwan was caught on a fly ball to the second baseman, but Choi Ji-hoon hit a lucky single to create a bases-loaded situation with one out, and Jung Jun-jae struck a 2-RBI hit to take control of the game. In the 5th with one out, Ahn Sang-hyun walked, Park Ji-hwan hit a single, and a wild pitch set up a one-out, second and third base chance. Choi Ji-hoon grounded out to the third baseman, tagging out the runner Ahn Sang-hyun, but Jung Jun-jae struck a 1-RBI hit to extend the lead by one run.
After allowing a 3-2 rally, SSG saw Ahn Sang-hyun hit a single leading off the 7th inning, driving the opposing pitcher from the game. After Ahn Sang-hyun's stolen base and Park Ji-hwan's single, with no outs and runners on first and third, Choi Ji-hoon struck a 1-RBI hit, and although Jung Jun-jae struck out, Eredia hit a sacrifice fly to seal the victory.
SSG manager Lee Seung-yong noted in a post-game interview, "Today's victory was achieved through the ace's great performance and the contributions of the young players, who are the future of the team. (Kim) Gwang-hyun demonstrated his capabilities as an ace by showing strikeouts and crisis management skills even when the defense was shaky, leading the team to victory."
"In terms of the players, (Jung) Jun-jae redeemed himself after yesterday's disappointment," remarked manager Lee Seung-yong, adding, "He made a significant impact on offense with 3 RBIs, but he also helped lighten the starting pitcher's load with a great defensive play in the top of the 2nd inning." He continued, "I was worried about the absence of (Park) Seong-han, but (Ahn) Sang-hyun performed well, alleviating those concerns. (Choi) Ji-hoon and (Park) Ji-hwan also contributed to the team's offense with multi-hits."
Manager Lee Seung-yong, who achieved two consecutive wins, said, "I hope we can remember that this victory was achieved through the teamwork of all, even in difficult circumstances where key players are injured, and show the same performance in the next game. Lastly, I once again thank the fans for creating a full house in the opening two games."
SSG is scheduled to play a 3-game home series against Lotte at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 25th.
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