'Win probability 67.2%→84.1%' — Hope and despair split in five innings; Erebia's 'decisive home throw' saves Benigiano and SSG [Incheon]

*This content was translated by AI.

Starting pitcher Anthony Benigiano, who had been pitching brilliantly, suddenly lost control. The three-run lead could have vanished in an instant. Guillermo Erebia (35), recognized as the top left fielder for three consecutive years, made a perfect throw that was enough to crush the Doosan Bears' will to chase.

The fourth game of the season between SSG and Doosan took place at Seoul Jamsil Stadium. Benigiano, who had pitched scoreless through the fourth inning, allowed a walk and consecutive hits, giving up one run. Erebia then saved the team in a bases-loaded, one-out crisis.

Daz Cameron hit a fly ball toward left field. Third baseman Kim Ki-yeon tagged up and appeared to have enough time to reach home plate. For SSG, even gaining one run and one out would have been a significant gain.

However, an unbelievable scene unfolded. Erebia, who had caught the ball, immediately threw it toward home. The one-bounce throw was perfectly timed and directed, striking catcher Cho Hyung-woo's mitt precisely, ultimately ending the inning without allowing any additional runs.

Had Kim Ki-yeon scored, SSG would have trailed by two runs, and the next batter, Park Jun-soon, who boasts a .400 batting average in scoring position, would have posed a serious threat. Ultimately, Benigiano, who held the line with only one run allowed through the fifth inning, was relieved after the sixth inning with two outs, and the bullpen preserved the lead, securing the team's first win of the season after two losses.

When Park Chan-ho allowed a hit-by-pitch, putting SSG in a bases-loaded, one-out situation, the team's win probability was 67.2%. However, after Erebia handled Cameron's fly ball and made the home throw, the win probability surged to 84.1% despite having completed only the fifth inning.

Erebia, who has been wearing the SSG uniform for four years since 2023, became the batting champion in 2024 and is a consistent hitter who has recorded a batting average above .300 for three consecutive seasons. Yet, his defensive presence is even more unparalleled. In the newly established KBO Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2023, Erebia won the left fielder award for three consecutive years. He is the only player to be named the top defender at any position for three straight years. He demonstrated his power once again on this day.

This season, he has experienced some ups and downs in batting. Before the game, SSG manager Lee Sung-yong remarked, "It looks like his swing speed has dropped significantly," adding, "That's why he has no choice but to rush," expressing his concern.

However, on this day, he shone on both offense and defense. Starting as the cleanup hitter, he went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs, single-handedly leading the team to victory. Lee Sung-yong praised, "Erebia made decisive contributions in both offense and home throws."

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*This content was translated by AI.