On March 22, 2025, the KBO League kicked off with a thrilling opening game at Jamsil Stadium, Seoul, where the Lotte Giants faced off against the LG Twins. The excitement in the air was palpable as all 23,750 tickets were sold out by 12:16 PM, showcasing the fervor for professional baseball in Korea. Early ticket sales via the internet were brisk, quickly followed by on-site sales that also met with swift success just 1 hour and 44 minutes before the game commenced.
The spotlight on the field was shared between Lotte's ace Charlie Barnes and LG's new foreign pitcher, Yoanys Chirinos. Chirinos, who joined LG last November on a lucrative $1 million contract, delivered an impressive performance. He pitched six innings, allowing just five hits, three walks, and striking out eight batters while giving up two runs. Despite a shaky start in the spring training games, where he exposed vulnerabilities allowing five runs in eight innings, he exhibited a commendable debut that bodes well for the holders' season hopes.
LG’s coach Yeom Gyeong-yeop expressed confidence in Chirinos before the game, predicting he would lead the team to a successful season with a target of at least 15 wins this year. "Yoanys Chirinos had a stellar debut, fulfilling expectations set by LG coach Yeom Gyeong-yeop," reported Newsis. This sentiment was echoed as Chirinos successfully navigated through several tight spots during the game. His ability to handle pressure was evident, particularly when he escaped a bases-loaded situation in the fourth inning.
On the other side of the diamond, Lotte’s Charlie Barnes faced considerable adversity. Known for his skill, Barnes found himself overwhelmed, throwing a total of 81 pitches in just three innings, which included eight hits and three walks, leading to a total of seven runs allowed. This performance marked a misguided effort from a player looking to become more consistent in his fourth season in the KBO League.
Highlighting the game’s explosive start, Moon Bo-gyeong of the LG Twins made KBO history by hitting the first home run of the season in the first inning. With two outs and a runner on second base, he launched an impressive two-run homer off Barnes. The ball reached a speed of 169.8 km/h and traveled a remarkable distance of 128.2 meters. "Moon Bo-gyeong’s home run showcased his consistent performance from the previous season," noted Newsis. This significant hit not only extended LG's lead to 3-0 but also captured the attention of baseball fans across the nation.
The atmosphere in the stands was electric, amplified by the fans' enthusiasm and the promising plays on the field. The game didn’t just mark the start of a new season; it represented the culmination of growing anticipation throughout the off-season, as both teams looked to build on their past performances.
Bouncing back from adversity, Chirinos showcased his resilience and talent by finishing with a count of 103 pitches in a commendable performance while managing effective strikes. Barnes, however, will need to reassess and recalibrate his performance after a disheartening start.
As the dust began to settle on the opening day, the LG Twins walked away victorious with a final score of 3-2 against the Lotte Giants. Fans could leave the stadium satisfied, having witnessed a thrilling start to the season, complete with record attendance and a historic home run. This opening match not only highlights the competitive spirit of the KBO League but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting 2025 season.
