"How did the team that was 9th in the first half do this?" SSG's miraculous second half, 'From 9th to within reach of 6th'... Sprouts lit up hope [Jamsil On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The first-half and second-half SSG Landers have become completely different teams. Recording a second-half winning percentage of 0.611, ranking second overall, SSG has secured at least 7th place and placed 6th within reach.

SSG, led by Manager Lee Sung-yong (55), defeated the NC Dinos 6-3 in their home game at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 7th in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League.

With a record of 64 wins, 73 losses, and 5 ties, SSG secured at least 7th place regardless of the results of their remaining two games by defeating 7th-place NC. If they secure at least one win in their remaining two games, or even if they lose both, 6th place is confirmed provided the Lotte Giants do not win all four of their remaining games.

SSG stumbled from the start of the first half. Kim Kwang-hyun and rookie Kim Min-jun dropped out of the starting rotation due to injuries, and Go Myeong-jun, who led the lineup early in the season, also suffered an injury. Foreign pitchers struggled with poor performance and injuries as well, and the entire team wavered.

Ultimately, they finished the first half 9th with a record of 31 wins, 52 losses, and 3 ties, and a winning percentage of 0.373. The atmosphere was such that the postseason seemed to have slipped away early on. However, they are currently posting a second-half record of 33 wins, 21 losses, and 2 ties, with a winning percentage of 0.611, ranking second overall.

However, with Pedro Abila joining the team for the second half and Kim Min-jun beginning to adapt to the professional stage, the starting rotation came fully alive. The team gained momentum with the returns of Jeon Ui-san, who completed his military service, and Go Myeong-jun. Kim Jae-hwan, who had slumped severely in the first half, also added vitality to the team by hitting for power.

Ultimately, SSG, which caught a terrifying upward trend, became the most formidable team after second-half leader KT Wiz. The same was true of this game.

Kim Min-jun, who has fulfilled his role 100% this season, took the mound and pitched a scoreless outing over seven innings, throwing 108 pitches with 1 hit allowed, 1 walk, and 8 strikeouts. He completed his first seven-inning start in his professional career and also recorded a high-quality start (seven or more innings, two or fewer earned runs).

The lineup responded to Kim Min-jun's performance, which tightly shut down the NC batting order. In the bottom of the third inning, with the game tied 0-0, Jeon Ui-san hit a go-ahead three-run home run. It was his 13th home run of the season, tying his single-season record.

Following Go Myeong-jun's double and consecutive passed balls by the opposing pitcher that added one more run, SSG drove in two runs on Choi Ji-hoon's RBI hit after advancing on another passed ball following hits from Jo Hyeong-woo and Kim Jung-min in the bottom of the seventh inning, effectively sealing the victory.

Jeon Young-jun, who took the mound in the top of the eighth inning, wavered and allowed three runs, but Moon Seung-won pitched to prevent further damage. In a save situation, Jo Byung-hyun took the mound in the ninth inning and neatly wrapped up the game.

Manager Lee Sung-yong said, "Starting pitcher Kim Min-jun showed his best pitching in his final appearance of the season and wrapped up his first professional season well." He added, "It is somewhat disappointing that he finished the season with nine wins, but based on the growth shown this season, if he plays a healthy full season, we have great expectations for what he will show next year."

He continued, "In the lineup, Jeon Ui-san hit a go-ahead three-run home run to take control of the early game atmosphere, and Choi Ji-hoon hit a two-RBI hit in a situation where additional runs were needed, contributing strength to the victory," praising their performances.

Before this game, 11 rookies for the 2027 season visited the stadium to meet with the team and greet fans. After completing ceremonial first pitches and at-bats, they watched their seniors play in the stadium where they will compete starting next year.

The victory secured in front of the sprouts held even deeper significance. Manager Lee said, "It seems the seniors created a good memory with a win on the day rookies visited Incheon SSG Landers Field for the first time." He urged them to make many efforts and preparations from now on so that they can showcase their skills to fans on the field alongside their seniors as soon as possible.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original