On March 17, 2025, the LG Twins showcased their strength by defeating the NC Dinos 3-0 during an exhibition game held at Jamsil Stadium, Seoul. This victory marked another setback for the Dinos, who found themselves mired in a five-game losing streak.
The game had its share of excitement not just on the scoreboard but also in terms of player interactions, especially during the bottom of the fourth inning. One of the key moments came when LG’s Park Hae-min stepped up to the plate with one out and a runner on first. Tensions escalated dramatically when NC pitcher Kim Tae-kyung threw what was perceived as a dangerously timed pitch, particularly since Park had not fully readied himself. This led to Park expressing his displeasure to the home plate umpire, Park Jong-cheol, questioning the timing of the throw.
Park Hae-min’s frustration was palpable as he approached Kim Tae-kyung, demanding, "Why did you throw the ball?" It was at this moment, amid growing crowd tensions, when both benches emptied onto the field, leading to what is known as a bench-clearing incident. Players from both teams quickly moved to mediate the situation and cool down their teammates, preventing any escalation of hostilities.
Despite the fracas, the game resumed shortly after. Park Hae-min continued his at-bat, eventually hitting a ground ball to second base but was forced out. Following the incident, Kim Tae-kyung addressed the confusion, stating, "I thought the batter was preparing to hit as I was glancing at the timer. It seems there was a misunderstanding," clarifying his intent and expressing regret for how the moment unfolded.
This confrontation not only added drama to the game but also tested sportsmanship among the players, who quickly returned to the focus of the game—the competition itself. The LG Twins maintained their performance, with solid pitching and batting throughout the game.
Despite their five-game losing streak, the NC Dinos displayed resilience against the talented LG team. Park Hae-min’s performance, after being hit by the pitch earlier, raised questions about players' safety as he underwent examinations which revealed no abnormalities. This was welcomed news for both the team and fans alike, as injuries can significantly impact the course of any season.
The LG Twins celebrated their victory with enthusiasm. Manager Yeom Kyung-yup expressed pride over his team’s strong showing and thanked fans for their continued support, especially during the early stages of the season. "We need to stay focused and build on our strengths," he emphasized, noting the importance of maintaining momentum moving forward.
Meanwhile, NC’s manager expressed concerns about the team's health and morale, particularly with regards to players facing criticism during their struggles. "We must regroup and support each other through this tough period," he noted, promoting unity and the determination to turn around the team's fortunes.
The dynamics of the game reflect not just the individual players' performances but also their capacities to handle pressure, both on and off the field. The unexpected events during the match serve as reminders of baseball's fierce competitive nature, capable of surprising fans at any moment.
Overall, the game highlighted significant progress for the LG Twins as they strive for excellence, contrasted sharply with the challenges facing the NC Dinos. Regardless of the outcome, the sheer intensity of athletic competition remained the overarching theme of the day, setting the stage for what fans can expect as the season progresses.