On April 15, 2025, the LG Twins made history by achieving a team no-hitter against the Samsung Lions, marking only the fourth occurrence of such a feat in the KBO League's 43-year history. The game, held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, ended with a score of 3-0 in favor of the Twins, who are currently leading the league with an impressive record of 15 wins and 3 losses.
The standout performer for LG was starting pitcher Errian Alessandro, who delivered a masterful performance, pitching six innings without allowing a hit. He struck out nine batters and walked just one, showcasing his dominance on the mound. This victory not only secured his second win of the season but also helped him rebound from a rocky start to the year, where he had struggled with an 8.31 ERA over his first three games.
Alessandro’s performance was a significant turnaround from his previous outings, where he had been criticized for his inconsistency. "I just focused on executing my pitches and trusting my stuff," he said after the game. His arsenal included a heavy cutter and sinker that consistently generated ground balls, alongside a curveball and sweeper that kept the Samsung hitters off-balance.
Following Alessandro's exit in the seventh inning due to discomfort in his right elbow, relief pitchers Kim Jin-sung, Park Myung-geun, and Jang Hyun-sik took over and continued the no-hitter, ensuring that Samsung did not record a single hit throughout the game. This achievement is particularly remarkable as it demonstrates the strength and depth of the LG pitching staff.
In the offensive department, LG struck first in the bottom of the first inning. Hong Chang-ki led off with an infield single, followed by Kim Hyun-soo’s hit to right field. Moon Bo-kyung then delivered a timely hit, bringing in the first run of the game. Bo-kyung was a key player for LG, finishing the game with three hits and one RBI.
As the game progressed, the LG offense remained aggressive. In the eighth inning, with the score at 1-0, Austin Dean hit a crucial two-run double, further extending LG's lead to 3-0. Moon Seong-ju also contributed with a hit that brought in two more runs, solidifying LG's advantage.
Despite the loss, Samsung’s starting pitcher Ariel Hurado put forth a commendable effort, allowing only one run and nine hits over seven innings while striking out four batters. However, he was unable to receive any run support from his teammates, who struggled to make contact against the dominant LG pitching staff.
Samsung's offense was stifled throughout the game, managing only three base runners—two walks and one hit-by-pitch—against a relentless LG pitching performance. The Lions have now fallen into a three-game losing streak and currently hold a record of 10 wins and 9 losses, placing them in the middle of the standings.
This no-hitter is a significant milestone for the LG Twins, who have now achieved this rare feat for the fourth time in KBO history. Previous instances include the Twins themselves in 2014 against the NC Dinos, the SSG Landers in 2022, and the Lotte Giants in 2023. The accomplishment highlights the team's exceptional pitching depth and ability to perform under pressure.
After the game, LG's management expressed their satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly praising Alessandro's bounce-back outing and the bullpen's ability to maintain the no-hitter. The coaching staff is optimistic about the team's future as they continue to lead the league.
As for Samsung, the team will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup. Manager Lee Seung-yeop acknowledged the team's struggles, stating, "We need to find a way to get back on track. Our hitters need to step up and provide support for our pitchers." With the season still young, both teams are looking to improve as they aim for playoff positions.
In conclusion, the LG Twins' historic no-hitter against the Samsung Lions not only cements their status at the top of the league but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of baseball. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if LG can maintain their momentum and if Samsung can bounce back from this setback.
