The defending champions, LG Twins, are now at risk of being eliminated from the KBO playoffs. After celebrating their first championship in 29 years last season, they are struggling to find their form in this year’s postseason against the formidable Samsung Lions.
LG suffered a 5-10 defeat in Game 2 of the 2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League playoffs on the 15th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. This loss followed their 4-10 defeat in Game 1, marking two straight lopsided losses.
LG’s inability to keep up with Samsung’s powerful offense has been evident. In the first game, Samsung showcased their home run prowess, with homers from Koo Ja-wook, Kim Young-woong, and Lewin Diaz, reinforcing their position as the league’s top home run-hitting team (185 home runs). LG’s Oh Ji-hwan hit a solo home run, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
Game 2 saw LG hoping to bounce back. With rain postponing the game originally scheduled for the 14th, the Twins replaced their scheduled starter Dietrich Enns with the in-form Son Ju-young, hoping for a better result.
However, misfortune struck again. LG took an early lead in the first inning, but a defensive miscue in the bottom half allowed Samsung to tie the game. Oh Ji-hwan misplayed a weak hit by Diaz, turning it into a double, which led to the equalizing run.
The third inning proved even more frustrating for LG. Diaz appeared to strike out on a half-swing, but the third base umpire ruled it a no-swing, allowing Diaz to continue his at-bat and drive in a run. After the game, LG manager Yeom Kyung-yup expressed his frustration, stating, “In such an important game, the umpiring needs to be sharp. If we hadn’t given up that run early, the game’s momentum might have shifted.”
As the score widened to 1-3, LG had to alter their pitching strategy. But Samsung’s power hitting continued to dominate. In the fifth inning, reliever Yoo Young-chan gave up a two-run homer to Kim Heon-gon, and in the sixth, Ham Deok-ju surrendered a solo shot to Diaz. The seventh inning saw Kim Yoo-young give up another two-run homer to Kim Heon-gon, followed by a solo home run to Diaz, effectively sealing LG’s fate.
While LG’s 29-year championship drought ended last season, they’ve struggled with the aftereffects. Key closer Ko Woo-seok departed for the U.S., and their bullpen, which had a league-best ERA of 3.35 last season, saw a steep decline to 5.17 this year, ranking sixth.
In an attempt to shore up their bullpen during this postseason, LG has relied on foreign pitcher Eliezer Hernandez as their closer. Additionally, Son Ju-young, a starter, has been used in a swingman role. However, pitchers like Kim Jin-sung and Yoo Young-chan have struggled in the playoffs, giving up critical home runs, leaving LG searching for answers.
Now, LG looks to turn the tide in Game 3, which will be played at their home stadium, Jamsil Baseball Stadium, on the 17th. Im Chan-kyu, the MVP of the semi-playoff series, will take the mound for LG. He shone in the previous round, posting two wins and a 1.59 ERA.
Samsung will counter with Hwang Dong-jae, who posted a 1-2 record and a 4.07 ERA in 15 regular season games. Initially, left-hander Lee Seung-hyun was slated to start Game 3, but Samsung has shifted him to the bullpen, giving Hwang the starting nod. LG’s Im Chan-kyu, who went 10-6 with a 3.83 ERA this year, clearly holds the edge in starting pitching.
After Game 2, LG manager Yeom Kyung-yup remained optimistic: “We’re heading home now, and we’ll play our brand of baseball. If we find a turning point, we still have a chance.” LG ended Game 2 with home runs from Park Hae-min and Kim Hyun-soo, which lifted their spirits somewhat. However, it remains to be seen whether LG can shift the series’ momentum on their home turf and keep their postseason dreams alive, much like how 메이저놀이터 먹튀검증 helps ensure safety in uncertain situations.