'Floods of Tears': The Ace Who Left Korea Returns to Jamsil — Will It Help LG Escape a Shocking Six-Game Losing Streak?

*This content was translated by AI.

The LG Twins have faced their biggest crisis of the season as it nears its end. There is a significant difference between finishing the regular season in third place and fourth. Can LG hold onto the third-place spot?

At 2 p.m. on the 4th, LG will play a home game against the KIA Tigers at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season.

LG is currently in a six-game losing streak after suffering a one-run defeat to KIA with a score of 4-5 on the previous day (the 3rd).

With a record of 75 wins, 61 losses, and 1 draw, LG ranks alone in third place in the league. However, they are being chased by the KIA Tigers, who rank alone in fourth with a record of 73 wins, 61 losses, and 2 draws, by just one game.

First and foremost, breaking the losing streak is LG's top priority. Bearing a heavy responsibility, Kim Yun-sik will take the mound as the starting pitcher. The KIA starting pitcher is Shirakawa.

This season, Kim has appeared in 30 games, recording no wins, one loss, five holds, and an ERA of 6.40. Over a total of 32⅓ innings, he has allowed 32 hits (including six home runs), issued 25 walks, struck out 17 batters, and conceded 23 runs (23 earned). His walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) is 1.76, and his batting average against is .264.

Against KIA this season, Kim has appeared in two games, recording one hold. Over a total of 3⅓ innings, he allowed one hit, issued one walk, hit one batter, struck out two batters, and pitched scoreless.

On this day, LG will have a solid supporter visiting Jamsil Stadium. That person is none other than Casey Kelly (37), who previously served as the foreign ace for LG.

LG announced on the 1st that "Kelly will throw the ceremonial first pitch to wish for victory in the game against KIA on the 4th." Coincidentally, October 4 is also Kelly's birthday, as he was born on October 4, 1989.

After donning the LG uniform in 2019, Kelly served as the heart of the LG pitching staff for six seasons until 2024. Over his total of six seasons, he appeared in 163 games, recording 73 wins and 46 losses with an ERA of 3.25. His 73 wins are a record for the most wins by a foreign pitcher in LG history. In 2022, he won the winning title with 16 victories. Notably, in 2023, he appeared in two games of the Korea Series, posting a record of one win and no losses with an ERA of 1.59, leading the team to the championship for the first time in 29 years.

Kelly left LG after his farewell ceremony held at Jamsil Stadium on July 20, 2024. At the time, amidst a heavy downpour, he shed floods of tears, moving LG fans deeply. Now, about two years and two months later, he is returning to Jamsil Stadium to cheer for his former teammates.

Through the team, Kelly shared his thoughts on throwing the first pitch: "It feels nostalgic to return to Jamsil. I created countless unforgettable memories here with LG fans, who are the best in the league. This visit seems like it will be a very heartwarming time for me and my family." He added, "Experiencing a Korea Series championship win at Jamsil is something I will be grateful for for the rest of my life. I am thankful to the fans and the team who have always welcomed our family warmly and made us feel like Seoul was home. I will continue to wish for LG's success."

Will LG, inspired by Kelly's presence, escape the tiresome quagmire of their losing streak and seize an opportunity for a turnaround?

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*This content was translated by AI.