2025 KBO League Opens With Doosan Bears And SSG Landers Showdown

On March 22, 2025, the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League kicked off with an exciting match between the Doosan Bears and SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field. The season opener drew fans eager to witness top-level baseball as the teams prepared to launch their campaigns.

Taking the mound for Doosan was Koal Irvin, a player with a notable background in Major League Baseball (MLB), where he accumulated 28 career wins. Irvin, who recently signed a $1 million contract with Doosan—comprising a $200,000 signing bonus and an $800,000 annual salary—was selected in the 5th round of the 2016 MLB draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. He has since played for the Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and Minnesota Twins before joining the KBO.

In his MLB career, Irvin has played 134 games, starting 92, and has recorded a 4.54 earned run average (ERA) with 434 strikeouts and 142 walks over 593 innings pitched. These stats illustrate his potential as he transitions to the KBO, a league known for its competitive nature.

Before this opening game, Irvin had already showcased his exceptional skills during the preseason, pitching 7 scoreless innings over two games while striking out 10 batters without allowing any walks. Such performance raised expectations for his debut in the KBO, as fans and analysts alike speculated if he could lead his team to victory in their season opener.

Meanwhile, SSG Landers countered with their own ace, Drew Anderson, who enjoyed a strong season last year with a record of 11 wins and 3 losses and an ERA of 3.89 over 24 games. Despite a more turbulent preseason showing—a 7.00 ERA through two games, including one win and one loss—Anderson was entrusted with the starting role for the opening match.

The first pitch was thrown amid a festive atmosphere with fans in attendance, eagerly awaiting the clash between these two powerhouses. With both teams seeking to start the season strong, the stakes were high from the outset.

The game began with Irvin showcasing his pitching finesse, registering strikeouts and keeping the SSG lineup on their toes. As the innings progressed, both pitchers dueled fiercely, demonstrating their skills and aiming to lead their teams to an opening victory.

In terms of KBO standings, as of March 22, 2025, all participating teams began the season with a clean slate—0 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws—each team's winning percentage resting at 0.000. It underscored the anticipation of the new season, where hopes were high across the league.

Fans cheered loudly for both teams. The excitement built as each batter approached the plate, looking to contribute to their team’s success. With Irvin’s established track record and Anderson’s promising capabilities, the matchup was set to be a thrilling showdown.

As the game unfolded, key moments began to define the early narrative of this KBO League season. Each pitch, swing, and play drew reactions from the crowd, creating an electrifying environment. Coaches and players expected nothing less than full effort as the teams commenced their journeys for the season.

As the innings advanced, the performance from both pitchers remained pivotal. Irvin, representing Doosan, continued to add pressure on SSG’s hitters, demonstrating why he was brought in as a prominent addition to the squad. His presence on the mound was poised to reshape the dynamics of the game.

On the other hand, Anderson aimed to shake off his preseason struggles and command the game for SSG. The ace's ability to outmaneuver his opponents would be crucial in preventing a loss during the season opener.

The atmosphere intensified as the later innings approached, with the game remaining tight—either team's chance to seize an edge while fans clung to every moment. Each player's contribution was magnified under the bright stadium lights.

As excitement mounted, the question lingered: could Irvin lead the Doosan Bears in clinching an inaugural win for the season? Or would Anderson forge a path for the SSG Landers, overcoming preseason doubts to guide his team to victory? With both teams eager to walk away with a positive start, the tension was palpable—the kind of thrill that defines baseball and the passion it inspires in fans.

Ultimately, the outcome of this opening game would shape not just the standings but also the momentum for both teams moving forward into the season. Each moment spoke to the grit and determination that characterizes the KBO League, where every game holds the promise of hope and heart-stopping excitement.