"Sorry to the fans for the long losing streak," the manager bowed his head, making this victory even more praiseworthy: 'Final victory breaks the losing streak' — The 20-year-old rookie took full responsibility. [Jamsil on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

"We sincerely apologize to our fans for the length of our losing streak."

Even an apology could only be offered after snapping the nine-game losing streak. After securing his first win in 13 days, SSG Landers manager Lee Sung-yong (55) bowed his head.

Under manager Lee Sung-yong, SSG defeated the Doosan Bears 4-2 in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League away game held at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium on the 7th.

After 10 games since their last win on the 24th, they finally secured a victory. During that span, the gap with fifth-place team widened from 4.5 games to 10 games, but at least they could now breathe a sigh of relief after waking from a nightmare. Had they failed to break the losing streak by the end of the first half, the repercussions could have carried into the second half. The situation remains far from ideal, but they managed to avoid the worst-case scenario.

It was an unbroken chain of long losing streaks: 13 games, then 5, and now 9. Hopes for playoff contention faded further, while the gap with last-place Kiwoom Heroes narrowed only slightly.

With the starting rotation completely collapsed, breaking the losing streak seemed even more distant. It was a bleak situation where hope had to be pinned on the youngest player, Kim Min-jun (20), who is steadily improving.

The opposing starter was ace Wes Benjamin. Although manager Lee Sung-yong deployed several strong hitters against Benjamin, it yielded little effect.

Nevertheless, Kim Min-jun's dazzling performance kept hope alive. His tearful effort inspired the position players to excel defensively, and in the top of the 5th inning with one out, they finally scored a precious lead run. Following consecutive hits by Kim Sung-wook and Choi Jeong from first base, Guillermo Heredia delivered a two-run double down the left-center field gap.

In the bottom of the 5th, despite hitting a double with two outs, Kim Min-jun completed the inning thanks to an excellent defensive play by first baseman Oh Tae-gon. He returned in the 6th and struck out Son A-seop and Park Jun-soon consecutively, finishing his outing on 83 pitches over six innings — achieving his debut quality start (six or more innings with three or fewer earned runs). This marked the sixth quality start by a high school graduate in their debut season in the club's history (including SK).

Adding Choi Jeong's two-run home run in the top of the 8th, SSG faced trouble in the bottom of the 8th when Moon Seung-won allowed a solo home run to Jung Soobin, issued a walk to Son A-seop, and gave up a double to Park Jun-soon. However, Kim Min-ji relieved him with a sacrifice fly and struck out Park Chan-ho, holding the lead at 4-2 by surrendering only one run.

In the bottom of the 9th, Jo Byeong-hyun, who had appeared in only three games during the nine-game losing streak, took the mound. He recorded two strikeouts against three batters and closed out the game flawlessly. Jo also added his first save in 10 games.

After the game, manager Lee Sung-yong said, "First and foremost, I apologize to our fans for the length of our losing streak." He added, "Thanks to all the fans who continued to cheer for our players despite the scorching heat, the players were able to give their best until the very end. We will repay your support by giving our all in every game." He expressed both apology and gratitude simultaneously.

Their last victory, on the 24th against KT Wiz, was also achieved by Kim Min-jun (five innings, one run allowed). At that time, he earned his first win just four games into his debut; today, he added another precious win to break the losing streak while recording his first quality start.

One could not help but exclaim in admiration: "Kim Min-jun pitched like a veteran ace rather than a rookie today, leading the charge to end the losing streak." He continued, "I sincerely congratulate him on his debut quality start and look forward to his growth into a true ace who will shoulder responsibility for the Landers' mound going forward."

The core hitters shone brightly. Manager Lee praised, "In the lineup, Heredia created the lead run through persistent at-bats and focused hitting after a tough battle, setting the tone for the game. Choi Jeong also delivered valuable additional runs in his signature style."

As the losing streak continued, the atmosphere sank to an indescribable low. Manager Lee added, "Finally, I want to thank the coaching staff and players who endured great hardship during this losing streak."

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*This content was translated by AI.