Samsung Lions Rally Behind Won Tae-in Against LG Twins

On April 17, 2025, the Samsung Lions took on the LG Twins in a thrilling matchup at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, a key game in the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League. The stakes were high for Samsung, who entered the game on a three-game losing streak, desperately needing a win to regain momentum.

Starting for Samsung was Won Tae-in, a pitcher with seven years of experience under his belt. Facing a formidable opponent in LG, who currently sits at the top of the league standings, the pressure was on. "He has a lot of experience and the ability to handle the team's atmosphere," said Samsung manager Park Jin-man, expressing confidence in his ace's capabilities.

As the game unfolded, the atmosphere was electric. In the first inning, Won Tae-in faced a challenge right away, allowing a leadoff single to Hong Chang-gi. However, he quickly regained his composure, retiring the next three batters in order. This set the tone for what would be a solid outing from the young pitcher.

In the second inning, Won Tae-in continued to showcase his skills, inducing a triple play that left the crowd buzzing. But the third inning proved to be a bit trickier. After giving up a double to Park Hae-min, he allowed a sacrifice fly to Hong Chang-gi, which resulted in the first run of the game against him. Despite this setback, the Lions' offense rallied in the bottom of the fourth. Terrence Lewin Diaz hit a two-run home run, turning the tide and giving Samsung a 2-1 lead.

Won Tae-in was not just a pitcher; he was also making plays defensively. In the fourth inning, he showcased his athleticism by catching a ground ball off the bat of Oh Ji-hwan and making the play himself. As the game progressed, Samsung's offense began to build a cushion. Kang Min-ho contributed with a two-run double in the fifth inning, extending the lead to 5-1.

As the sixth inning rolled around, the tension mounted. Won Tae-in returned to the mound with a comfortable lead, but his night took a concerning turn. After striking out Park Dong-won, he showed signs of discomfort, prompting a brief check by the coaching staff. Despite this, he managed to finish the inning, striking out Lee Joo-hyung with a six-pitch strikeout.

By the time the sixth inning concluded, Won Tae-in had thrown 88 pitches, mixing his arsenal effectively with 35 fastballs, 25 sliders, 24 changeups, and 4 curveballs. His highest recorded velocity reached 150 km/h, a testament to his skill and preparation. However, with his performance in the balance and the signs of discomfort, the coaching staff decided it was best to hand the ball over to the bullpen as the seventh inning began.

Throughout the game, the support from his teammates was palpable. After a particularly impressive play, Koo Ja-wook embraced Won Tae-in, offering a comforting hug that showcased the camaraderie within the team. Won Tae-in's expression—an amusing mix of confusion and relief—captured the moment perfectly, adding a lighthearted touch to the competitive atmosphere.

As the game progressed, the Lions' bullpen took over the pitching duties, and the team continued to defend their lead. The camaraderie among the players was evident, as they rallied behind their starting pitcher, who had delivered a commendable performance under pressure. With the score at 5-1, the Lions were in a strong position, but the game was far from over.

Fans at Jamsil Stadium were on the edge of their seats, cheering on their team as they sought to break their losing streak. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the Samsung Lions looked to secure a much-needed victory against the league leaders. The players' determination and teamwork were evident, and the crowd's energy only fueled their performance.

As the game continued, the focus shifted to the bullpen and how they would handle the remaining innings. The stakes were high, and every pitch counted. Would the Lions be able to maintain their lead and secure a win? The tension in the stadium was palpable as fans held their breath, hoping for a turnaround in their team's fortunes.

In conclusion, the matchup between the Samsung Lions and LG Twins was not just another game; it was a battle of resilience, skill, and teamwork. With Won Tae-in's standout performance, the Lions demonstrated their potential to rise above challenges. The outcome of the game remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: the Samsung Lions were ready to fight for every run and every out, determined to turn their season around.