LG Twins Rally To Take Lead Against Kiwoom Heroes

The 2025 Shinhan SOL BANK KBO League clash between the LG Twins and the Kiwoom Heroes at Seoul's Jamsil Stadium on July 8 delivered a thrilling encounter marked by a dramatic comeback and a rain delay that tested both teams' resilience. The game, which saw LG rally from behind to secure a 4-3 victory, not only boosted the Twins' standing in the league but also highlighted key performances and strategic plays that could shape the remainder of the season.

The match began with Kiwoom's starting pitcher Ha Young-min, who entered with a 6-8 win-loss record, facing off against LG's Im Chan-kyu, who held an impressive 8-3 record heading into the game. Early on, the Heroes took an advantage, capitalizing on their offensive opportunities. In the first inning, after the leadoff batter Song Seong-moon secured a hit, Im Chan-kyu surrendered a two-run homer to Im Ji-yeol, putting Kiwoom ahead 2-0. This early setback set the tone for LG's uphill battle.

Despite the rocky start, LG responded in the bottom of the second inning. Moon Bo-kyung led off with a double, and after one out, Park Dong-won delivered an infield single, bringing home a run and cutting the deficit to 2-1. However, the game soon faced an unexpected challenge as rain forced a 30-minute suspension just before the top of the fourth inning, a delay that tested the players' focus and momentum.

When play resumed, Kiwoom extended their lead in the fourth inning. Im Chan-kyu, pitching under pressure, allowed a hit to Ju Seong-won and an infield single to Oh Jun-seo. A throwing error by LG's second baseman Shin Min-jae during the play allowed a runner to score, increasing Kiwoom's lead to 3-1. This defensive miscue underscored the tight nature of the game and the fine margins that often decide baseball contests.

Im Chan-kyu continued to pitch effectively, completing six innings with six hits allowed and three runs given up, two of which were earned. His performance, while not flawless, was steady and kept LG within striking distance. This outing marked the end of his first half of the season with a solid 8-3 record and an earned run average of 2.88, though he had been unable to notch a win in his last six starts since May 27.

The pivotal moment came in the seventh inning, when LG's bullpen took over. Kim Jin-seong entered and shut down the top of the seventh, setting the stage for a bottom-of-the-inning rally. Park Hae-min led off with a ground ball to first base but reached safely due to a misplay by Kiwoom's pitcher Won Jong-hyun and first baseman Choi Joo-hwan, who failed to complete a crucial toss. Park then stole second base, and during Shin Min-jae's at-bat, catcher Kim Geon-hee's errant throw allowed Park to advance to third base, leaving the bases loaded with no outs.

Shin Min-jae drew a walk, and with a ground ball from Chun Sung-ho, Park scored, tying the game at 3-3. The tension was palpable as Kim Hyun-soo stepped up with runners on base and delivered a clutch RBI single off a wild pitch, driving in the go-ahead run and putting LG ahead 4-3. This hit proved decisive in the tightly contested game and sparked exuberant celebrations among the home fans.

LG's pitching staff held firm thereafter. Lee Jung-yong pitched a scoreless eighth inning with a clean three-up, three-down performance. Though LG had opportunities to extend their lead in the bottom of the eighth, including a situation with runners on first and second and no outs, a bunt double play by Choi Won-young stifled the rally. Finally, closer Yoo Young-chan took the mound in the ninth and secured the save by retiring the side without allowing any runs, marking his sixth save of the season and preserving LG's narrow lead.

Offensively, LG's lineup showed depth and consistency. Moon Bo-kyung went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, Park Dong-won contributed 2-for-2 with one RBI and a walk, and Oh Ji-hwan added 2-for-3 with an RBI, all playing key roles in the victory. Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop had emphasized the need for improved hitting before the game, specifically pointing to these players, and their performances validated his confidence.

On the other side, Kiwoom's Ha Young-min pitched a solid six innings, allowing six hits and two runs, but was ultimately tagged with the loss. Their leadoff hitter Song Seong-moon went 2-for-4 at the plate, but the team's offensive efforts fell short amid defensive lapses and untimely errors.

This win elevated LG Twins' record to 46 wins, 37 losses, and 2 ties, propelling them into sole possession of second place in the KBO League standings. They leapfrogged the Lotte Giants, who suffered a defeat against the Doosan Bears on the same day, and now sit 3.5 games behind the league-leading team, which holds a 50-33 record. The standings as of July 9, 2025, indicate a competitive race with several teams within striking distance of the top spot, making every game crucial as the season progresses.

The game also highlighted the unpredictable nature of baseball, where weather interruptions and defensive mistakes can dramatically influence outcomes. The rain delay after the fourth inning momentarily paused the action but did not dampen the competitive spirit of either team. Instead, it set the stage for a thrilling comeback by LG, demonstrating their resilience and tactical adaptability.

Looking ahead, LG Twins will be aiming to build on this momentum as they pursue a strong finish to the season and a potential playoff berth. Meanwhile, the Kiwoom Heroes, despite their struggles and current position near the bottom of the standings, will look to regroup and address the defensive lapses that cost them dearly in this contest.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop’s pre-game focus on improving the team's hitting paid dividends, as the offensive contributions from key players were instrumental in overcoming the early deficit. The pitching staff’s ability to contain Kiwoom's lineup after the early innings also proved vital, particularly the bullpen's performance in the later frames.

In a league where every game counts, the LG Twins' victory over the Kiwoom Heroes is a testament to the team's grit and determination. With the season in full swing and the standings tight, fans can expect more exciting baseball action as teams battle for supremacy in the 2025 KBO League.