Is SSG emerging as a contender against the leading LG Twins?

SSG Landers won their first matchup of the season against the KT Wiz in the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League on the 4th at Incheon SSG Landers Field, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory after 11 innings.

SSG has recorded two consecutive victories along with a strong start in the weekend series, bringing their season record to six wins and three losses. They are currently in second place, 2.5 games behind the leading LG Twins.

Trailing 0-1, SSG took the lead in the bottom of the third inning with Park Sung-han's two-RBI go-ahead hit, but they unexpectedly allowed a tying run in the top of the eighth. In a two-out, one-on situation, first base runner Bae Jeong-dae attempted to steal second base, but catcher Lee Ji-young's throw to second went wide, and center fielder Choi Ji-hoon mishandled the rolling ball, allowing Bae Jeong-dae to score. SSG failed to capitalize on a scoring opportunity in the bottom of the ninth, which led to extra innings.

After escaping a no-out, bases-loaded crisis in the top of the tenth inning, SSG had a scoring chance in the bottom of the eleventh with one out, thanks to a walk from Han Yoo-seong and a stolen base by pinch runner Ahn Sang-hyun. Although Ha Jae-hoon struck out swinging, Park Sung-han reached base on an automatic intentional walk after the first pitch, and Oh Tae-gon stepped up to deliver a dramatic walk-off hit, his sixth career walk-off hit, against veteran KT player Choi Dong-hwan.

SSG's pitching staff saw starter Kim Gwang-hyun leave the game after five innings, allowing five hits, three walks, three strikeouts, and one earned run in 99 pitches. Following him were Noh Kyung-eun (one inning, no earned runs), Kim Gun-woo (one inning, no earned runs), Kim Min (one inning, one unearned run), Jo Byeong-hyeon (one inning, no earned runs), and Lee Ro-woon (two innings, no earned runs). The winning pitcher was Han Du-sol.

After the game, SSG manager Lee Seung-yong noted, "(Oh) Tae-gon's performance today was commendable in a tough game, maintaining focus to lead the team to victory." He added, "Starter (Kim) Gwang-hyun pitched well for five innings, and the bullpen showed great performances, allowing us to remain competitive into the late innings. Offensively, (Han) Yoo-seong and (Park) Sung-han showed strong hitting, and (Oh) Tae-gon played the crucial role of problem-solver at key moments."

He also did not forget to greet the 13,323 fans who attended the game. Manager Lee Seung-yong expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you to the fans for their support in the cold weather, and we will prepare well to achieve victory again tomorrow."

The hero of the walk-off, Oh Tae-gon, stated, "There were chances in the previous ninth inning, but I was disappointed that I couldn't capitalize on them. In the eleventh inning, with two outs, another opportunity came. I thought the game would hinge on me. The previous batter, Park Sung-han, was hitting too well. Instead of focusing on finishing the game, I thought just to focus on my swing. My timing was perfect."

Oh Tae-gon's walk-off hit was his sixth career walk-off hit. When asked about the secret to his strength in clutch situations, he replied, "I approach the plate with the mindset that it's just me. There are many young players on the team. Manager Lee Seung-yong also believes in me. Because I took responsibility, I think good results have followed."

SSG will seek their third consecutive win on the 5th with Moon Seung-won on the mound. KT is expected to start Koh Young Technology.

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