Mitch White Shines In KBO Debut Despite Loss

In a thrilling KBO league debut, Mitch White took the mound for the SSG Landers on April 17, 2025, against the Hanwha Eagles at Incheon SSG Landers Field. Despite not securing a victory, White's performance was nothing short of impressive, showcasing his potential as a key player for the team.

White, who has a history in Major League Baseball with teams like the LA Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, had been sidelined due to a Grade 1-2 hamstring injury sustained during spring training in Okinawa, Japan. His long-awaited debut came after a rigorous rehabilitation process, and SSG manager Lee Soong-yong expressed high hopes for White's performance ahead of the game, estimating he would throw around 70-80 pitches.

From the outset, White delivered a commanding performance. In the first inning, he struck out all three batters he faced, including Choi In-ho, Moon Hyun-bin, and Noh Si-hwan, with his fastball reaching a top speed of 155 km/h. "I was really curious to see how he would handle the pressure," said Lee. "He did a great job in the first inning, and it was exciting to watch him pitch."

Continuing his momentum, White struck out Chae Eun-seong and Lee Jin-young in the second inning, while Hwang Young-mook grounded out, marking another scoreless inning. He maintained his dominance in the third, allowing only a walk to Choi Jae-hoon before striking out Shim Woo-jun and getting Choi In-ho to ground out.

However, the fourth inning presented challenges. White struck out Ploriol but then allowed a significant hit—a 3-run triple to Noh Si-hwan, followed by a double from Chae Eun-seong, resulting in the first runs scored against him. Despite this setback, White managed to strike out Lee Jin-young to prevent further damage.

As the game progressed into the fifth inning, White was unable to complete the frame. After getting Hwang Young-mook to ground out, he issued a walk to Choi Jae-hoon after a lengthy battle at the plate. With his pitch count nearing its limit, White was replaced by Lee Ro-woon, concluding his outing with a record of 4 and 2/3 innings pitched, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk, and striking out an impressive 8 batters while giving up 2 runs.

Overall, White threw 72 pitches, including 41 fastballs, 21 cutters, 5 curves, 3 two-seamers, and 2 sweepers, achieving a strike rate of 72.2%. His ability to maintain a high strikeout rate and limit hits in the early innings was a positive sign for the Landers as they look to build on their season.

As the game continued, the Hanwha Eagles managed to take the lead, reversing the score to 3-2. This development added to the drama of the match, with fans on the edge of their seats as both teams fought hard. The performance of White, despite the eventual outcome, left a strong impression on both fans and analysts alike.

White's journey from injury to a strong debut reflects not only his resilience but also the potential he brings to the SSG Landers. "It's been a long road back, but I felt good out there," White said post-game. "I just want to keep building on this and help my team win games." The Landers will certainly be counting on White as they navigate the challenges of the KBO league this season.

Looking ahead, the SSG Landers will need to regroup and strategize as they prepare for their next match. With their pitching staff bolstered by White's return, fans are hopeful for a turnaround in their fortunes. The competition is fierce, and every game counts in the quest for the championship.