On April 27, 2025, the KIA Tigers secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over the LG Twins at Gwangju KIA Champions Field, marking their second consecutive win after a challenging three-game losing streak. With this win, KIA improved their season record to 13 wins and 15 losses, maintaining their position in seventh place in the KBO League standings. Meanwhile, the LG Twins, who had been leading the league, faced their second successive defeat, bringing their record to 20 wins and 9 losses.
The game showcased a remarkable pitching duel between KIA's James Naile and LG's Lim Chan-kyu. Naile delivered an impressive performance, pitching six innings and allowing only four hits, while striking out three batters and issuing four walks, resulting in two earned runs. His fastball reached speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour, complemented by a mix of sweepers and changeups that kept the LG hitters off balance.
On the other side, Lim Chan-kyu also put forth a solid effort, matching Naile's six innings on the mound. He allowed seven hits, including a home run, while striking out six batters and walking one, also giving up two runs. Lim's fastball peaked at 143 kilometers per hour, and he utilized a mix of curveballs, changeups, and sliders effectively throughout the game.
KIA set the tone early in the first inning, with Park Chan-ho leading off with a solid single to left field. Following that, Kim Seon-bin earned a walk, setting the stage for Kim Do-young, who delivered a crucial RBI single. Choi Hyoung-woo then added another run with his own RBI single, putting KIA ahead 2-0 without recording an out. Although Na Seong-beom hit into a double play, the damage was already done, and KIA seized the momentum.
However, LG fought back in the sixth inning. After Hong Chang-ki drew a walk and Kim Hyun-soo followed suit, Austin Dean capitalized with an RBI single, narrowing the gap. Moon Bo-kyung then hit into a ground ball that allowed Kim Hyun-soo to score, tying the game at 2-2.
But KIA was not to be denied. In the seventh inning, they regained the lead thanks to Choi Won-joon’s single and Kim Seon-bin’s clutch RBI single, bringing the score to 3-2. KIA's bullpen, featuring Jeon Sang-hyun, Jo Sang-woo, and Lim Mo-ri, stepped up to secure the slim lead, ensuring no further runs crossed the plate for LG.
Despite LG's best efforts, including a strong eighth inning with a chance to score, they were unable to convert. KIA's defense held firm, and they finished the game without allowing any additional runs.
In a concerning development for KIA, Na Seong-beom was replaced in the second inning due to discomfort in his right wrist. He had been struggling with his performance this season, recording a batting average of just .226, with four home runs and 16 RBIs over 26 games. His last ten games saw a significant drop in form, hitting only .179, which raised alarms for the coaching staff. After the game, Na Seong-beom was scheduled for a detailed examination at a designated hospital, following initial treatment with ice.
The KIA coaching staff expressed the importance of focusing on Na Seong-beom's natural hitting pattern rather than trying to adjust to the weaknesses that opposing teams have exploited. Coach emphasized that if Na Seong-beom can return to form, he could be a pivotal player in KIA's lineup, especially as the team aims to build on their recent successes.
As the game concluded, KIA's victory not only lifted their spirits but also highlighted the resilience of the team as they look to climb up the KBO standings. With the season still young, every game counts, and KIA's ability to harness their pitching strength while addressing player injuries will be crucial in the weeks ahead.
Fans of the KIA Tigers will be eager to see how the team responds in their upcoming matches, especially with the potential return of key players and the ongoing adjustments to their lineup. The excitement in the KBO League continues to build, and KIA's performance against LG serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball.
