*This content was translated by AI.
There were moments of anxiety, but they ultimately secured the victory. The win carries extra significance as players who had previously delivered disappointing performances all stepped up.
The LG Twins secured a thrilling 8-7 victory in a road game against the SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 15th in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League.
With the top-ranked KT Wiz and second-place Samsung Lions both suffering defeats on the day, LG improved to 24 wins and 16 losses, overtaking Samsung to reclaim sole second place. The gap between LG and KT has now narrowed to just 0.5 games.
The game did not look easy. Starting pitcher Yoni Chirinos had struggled this season, appearing in only five games over 19⅔ innings with a record of 1 win and 3 losses and an ERA of 7.32. Before the game, manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) said, "Chirinos must pitch well every day," offering a bitter smile.
There were also slight changes in the starting lineup. Infielder Moon Jung-bin, who had been called up from the minor league, immediately earned a starting opportunity at first base, while struggling Lee Jae-won was set to play in right field.
Manager Yeom said before the game, "(Park) Hae-min also needs careful management. His back has been constantly bothering him. There is some stiffness. Several players are not at their best but are playing through it. (Oh) Ji-hwan is also not quite right. Austin is also not expected to be able to stretch, so we keep using him as the designated hitter."
Regarding Moon Jung-bin, he continued, "We received reports that he is doing well and have been monitoring him closely. Now, just as we gave Kim Sung-jin his chance, we will give him an opportunity. It is Jung-bin's turn. I thought it would be better to start him right away, so I put him in. Also, since he is a left-handed batter, I told him to give it a try."
Everything unfolded as hoped. Chirinos pitched steadily through five innings. He allowed one run in the fourth but held firm until the fifth. After giving up a hit in the sixth, he committed a throwing error on a fielder's choice grounder, allowing a hit to Choi Jung that gave up another run. He then handed the ball to Kim Jin-sung, who surrendered another run on a sacrifice fly by Kim Jae-hwan, increasing the deficit. However, the game content was clearly different from previous outings.
Moreover, it was significant that they went into the bottom of the inning with a lead. The lineup supported Chirinos from the start of the game. Following Park Dong-won's hit in the second inning, Moon Jung-bin delivered a two-run double. Lee Jae-won also hit a sacrifice fly, putting the team ahead 2-0.
In the fourth, Shin Min-jae reached base on a walk, followed by a sacrifice bunt by Koo Bon-hyuk and a hit to left field by Hong Chang-gi that brought in a runner. In the fifth, Park Dong-won hit a home run. The power hitter who had been silent since the opening game finally got back on track after 34 games.
In the top of the eighth, with one out and runners on second and third, Oh Ji-hwan hit a two-run single, making the score 7-3 and the victory seem within reach. However, in the bottom of the eighth, reliever Jang Hyun-sik, struggling with his control, faced a bases-loaded, one-out crisis before giving up a bases-loaded home run to Choi Ji-hoon, instantly returning the game to a tie.
However, in the bottom of the ninth, the lineup managed to score another run against the formidable closer Jo Byung-hyun. Park Hae-min, who had entered as a pinch runner in the fifth, hit a hit to left field, and Shin Min-jae followed with a double, creating a one-out, runners on second and third opportunity. Pinch hitters Cheon Seong-ho and Hong Chang-gi then drew consecutive walks to force in the go-ahead run.
In the bottom of the ninth, reliever Son Ju-young was brought in. Despite being left with no outs and runners on first and second due to defensive errors, he cleanly retired the next three batters to complete the dramatic victory.
After the game, manager Yeom said, "It was a difficult game overall after giving up the bases-loaded home run, but Park Hae-min and Shin Min-jae created opportunities in crucial moments, allowing us to shift the momentum back in our favor. Hong Chang-gi then drove in the go-ahead run, enabling us to secure the win."
He continued, "On the pitching side, Kim Jin-sung, Woo Kang-hoon, and Bae Jae-jun fulfilled their roles. It was a truly tough situation, and I want to praise Son Ju-young for making a save that saved the team."
Most importantly, it was heartening to see the performances of players who had been struggling. Hong Chang-gi went 1-for-3 with three walks and four times on base, driving in three runs. Oh Ji-hwan also hit a thrilling two-run single. Park Dong-won finally ignited his home run power, going 3-for-3, while Lee Jae-won contributed with two hits and one RBI. Park Hae-min and Shin Min-jae also played decisive roles in the late innings. Moon Jung-bin, who had been called up that day, also led the team to victory with one hit, three walks, and four times on base.
Previously, Hong Chang-gi was batting at .195, Shin Min-jae at .198, Park Dong-won at .210, and Oh Ji-hwan at .252, all suffering from severe slumps. The simultaneous strong performances of these veteran players, who had previously caused concern for the coaching staff, carried great significance.
Manager Yeom said, "Park Dong-won led the entire lineup with three hits including a home run and two RBIs. I want to praise the players who did not give up until the end and displayed focus to create the victory. Despite being on the road, many fans came to support us, and although it was a difficult game, the players were able to win by maintaining their focus." He also did not forget to express his gratitude.
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
