LG Twins Look To Maintain Dominance Against SSG Landers

On April 20, 2025, the KBO league is buzzing with excitement as several teams take to the field, with the LG Twins set to face off against the SSG Landers at Munhak Stadium in Incheon. This matchup is particularly significant for LG, who are looking to maintain their dominant position in the league despite facing challenges with their roster.

LG Twins are coming off a resounding 11-4 victory over SSG in their previous encounter, which was marred by rain delays totaling 155 minutes. That game stretched a staggering 6 hours and 13 minutes, but it was worth the wait for LG fans as their team secured a strong win, pushing SSG into a six-game losing streak and dropping them to seventh place.

In this upcoming game, LG will be starting Kim Joo-on, a promising right-handed pitcher in his second year with the team. Kim has stepped up to fill the void left by Elier Eijaz Hernandez, who is sidelined for about six weeks due to a right deltoid muscle injury. This injury has forced the team to make some strategic adjustments, including calling up left-hander Kim Yoo-young from the Futures League. Kim Joo-on, who has been recognized for his performance in the Futures League, will be making his mark as the starting pitcher.

Kim Joo-on's statistics from his limited time in the major leagues are a bit concerning, as he has recorded an ERA of 15.43 and a WHIP of 2.36 over 4 and 2/3 innings pitched. However, the team believes he has the potential to turn things around, especially given his solid showing in the minors. Born on December 8, 1996, Kim has a background that includes stints at Daeheung Elementary School, Gumi Middle School, and Ulsan Technical High School before entering the professional league in 2020 through SK and joining LG in 2024.

On the other side of the diamond, SSG Landers will counter with Drew Anderson, who has had a rocky start to the season. Anderson has yet to secure a win, holding a record of 0 wins and 2 losses with an ERA of 3.92 and a WHIP of 1.31 over 20 and 2/3 innings pitched. He relies heavily on his fastball, which he throws 51% of the time, averaging 150 km/h, alongside a curveball and changeup. SSG is hoping for a turnaround after a tough stretch, and a strong performance from Anderson could be just what they need.

Despite their struggles, SSG's offense is led by infielder Ko Myung-joon, who is showing promise with a batting average of .269, one home run, and nine RBIs. Ko has been on an upswing, batting .368 over his last five games with seven hits. The team is looking for him and others to step up in this crucial matchup against the league leaders.

Meanwhile, LG's lineup continues to shine, anchored by catcher Park Dong-won, who has been a key contributor this season with a batting average of .368, five home runs, and 18 RBIs. His performance has been particularly notable in recent games, where he has maintained a .474 batting average over the last five games, hitting two home runs. The Twins are hopeful that he can continue this momentum as they push for another victory.

As the game approaches, LG stands at the top of the league with an impressive record of 18 wins and 4 losses, boasting a winning percentage of .818. In contrast, SSG is struggling at 9 wins and 11 losses, with a .450 winning percentage. The stakes are high as SSG desperately seeks to break their losing streak and regain some momentum in the standings.

This matchup is not only about the teams' current standings but also about the individual performances that could impact the season. Kim Joo-on's debut as a starting pitcher could be a pivotal moment for him and the LG Twins, while Drew Anderson has the opportunity to turn his season around and help SSG climb back into contention.

As fans gather at Munhak Stadium, excitement fills the air. Will LG maintain their winning ways, or can SSG find a way to halt their losing streak? With both teams having much at stake, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter.

In addition to the action on the field, the game will also feature a special event as the Doosan Bears will celebrate Disability Awareness Day with a ceremonial first pitch and first hit, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in sports. This initiative showcases the league's commitment to community engagement and support for various causes.

As the clock ticks down to game time, anticipation builds. The LG Twins and SSG Landers are set to face off at 2 PM today, and fans are eager to see how this story unfolds. With so much on the line, every pitch, every swing, and every play will be critical in determining the outcome.