Today : May 04, 2025
Sports
04 May 2025

LG Twins Dominate SSG Landers With 12-4 Victory

Koen Wynn shines in KBO debut as LG secures series win

On May 4, 2025, the LG Twins celebrated a commanding 12-4 victory over the SSG Landers at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul. This win marked a significant rebound for LG, who had lost the first game of the weekend series but triumphed in the second and third games, improving their season record to 22 wins and 12 losses. Meanwhile, the SSG Landers faced their 17th loss of the season (15 wins and 1 draw), further distancing themselves from a .500 win percentage.

The game began with a bang as SSG's Choi Jung hit his 497th career home run in the first inning, giving his team an early 1-0 lead. However, the momentum quickly shifted in favor of LG. In the bottom of the first, LG exploded for five runs, thanks to two home runs that turned the game on its head. With two walks and a hit, LG created a bases-loaded situation that led to Moon Bo-kyung's grand slam, followed by a back-to-back home run from Park Dong-won.

LG's offensive onslaught didn't stop there. They added four more runs in the fifth inning, further solidifying their lead. After loading the bases again with three walks, Oh Ji-hwan drove in two runs with an infield single, which was compounded by an error from SSG's second baseman, Jeong Jun-jae. LG's Park Hae-min then contributed a two-run single, capping off another 'big inning' for the team.

Despite trailing 9-1, SSG showed signs of life in the sixth inning. With one out and a runner on third, Choi Jung delivered an RBI single, followed by Ryan McBroom's groundout that brought home another run, narrowing the gap to 9-3. However, LG responded decisively in the eighth inning with Moon Bo-kyung's three-run home run, which extinguished any hopes of a comeback from SSG.

In the ninth inning, McBroom managed a solo home run for SSG, but it was too little, too late, as LG maintained their substantial lead.

On the pitching front, LG's Koen Wynn made an impressive KBO debut, throwing six innings and allowing three runs on five hits, including one home run. He struck out two batters and issued one walk, throwing a total of 87 pitches. Wynn's performance met the expectations set by the coaching staff, particularly after stepping in as a temporary replacement for injured foreign pitcher Elier Alfonzo Ernedes.

Wynn's journey to this moment began when he signed with LG on April 21, 2025, under a temporary contract worth $11,000. He had previously pitched in a Futures League game against the Lotte Giants, where he allowed one run over two innings. His preparation and performance on the field showcased his potential and resilience, traits that LG's management had hoped for when they signed him.

Born in 1999, Wynn has already made a name for himself as a promising player on the Australian national team, receiving guidance from former LG pitcher Chris Oxspring. His competitive spirit was evident, especially after a notable performance in the Australian Baseball League, where he pitched a remarkable game shortly after attending his grandmother's funeral.

In contrast, SSG's starting pitcher Park Jong-hoon struggled, giving up seven runs over four innings, allowing five hits and issuing eight walks, which ultimately contributed to his team's downfall.

As the game progressed, LG's hitters continued to capitalize on SSG's pitching woes, with Kim Hyun-soo contributing significantly by drawing three walks and scoring three times. Moon Bo-kyung's standout performance included three hits, two home runs, and a staggering seven RBIs, solidifying his role as a key player in the match.

The victory not only showcased LG's offensive firepower but also highlighted the importance of Wynn's debut. As the season advances, both teams will look to build on their performances, with LG aiming to maintain their winning momentum while SSG seeks to recover from their recent struggles.

Looking ahead, the LG Twins will hope to carry this energy into their future games, while SSG will need to regroup and address their pitching issues to stay competitive in the league.