SSG started the weekend three-game series with a dramatic walk-off victory.
On April 4, the SSG Landers achieved a walk-off win by a score of 3-2 against the KT Wiz in their first matchup of the season in the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League at Incheon SSG Landers Field after an 11-inning battle.
SSG has recorded its sixth win of the season with 3 losses, along with two consecutive victories to kick off the weekend series. Meanwhile, KT, now on a two-game losing streak, fell to 5 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses.
The home team SSG organized its starting lineup against KT starter William Cuevas with Jeong Jun-jae (center fielder), Gilberto Celestino (second baseman), Guillermo Heredia (left fielder), Han Yoo-seom (designated hitter), Ko Myung-jun (first baseman), Park Seong-han (shortstop), Oh Tae-gon (right fielder), Lee Ji-young (catcher), and Kim Seong-hyun (third baseman).
In response, KT faced SSG starter Kim Gwang-hyun with Rojas (right fielder), Kang Baek-ho (designated hitter), Heo Gyeong-min (third baseman), Jang Seong-woo (catcher), Kim Sang-soo (shortstop), Moon Sang-cheol (first baseman), Bae Jeong-dae (center fielder), Oh Yoon-seok (second baseman), and Choi Seong-min (left fielder). Choi Seong-min, who was selected 55th overall in the 2nd round of the 2021 KT draft, celebrated his first starting appearance.
The first point was claimed by KT. In the top of the first inning, lead-off batter Rojas hit a single to left, followed by Kang Baek-ho who hit a double to the right, setting up runners on second and third base with no outs. Heo Gyeong-min then hit a ground ball to shortstop, bringing home Rojas from third.
KT continued with a chance for 1 out and runners on first and second after Jang Seong-woo walked, but Kim Sang-soo struck out swinging, and Moon Sang-cheol made an out on a fly ball to second.
In the top of the second inning, after 2 outs, Choi Seong-min hit a single to left, and Rojas walked to place runners on first and second, but Kang Baek-ho grounded out to first base, failing to capitalize on the opportunity.
SSG also felt regret in the bottom of the second inning. Lead-off batter Ko Myung-jun walked, Oh Tae-gon hit a single to left, and Kim Seong-hyun walked to load the bases with 2 outs. However, Jeong Jun-jae flew out to right field, resulting in a wasted chance to tie the game.
SSG's batting lineup regained momentum in the bottom of the third inning. The rally began with lead-off batter Jeong Jun-jae earning a walk after an 11-pitch battle. He then stole second base, and Heredia at the plate also drew a walk after a full count.
Cuevas and Heredia engaged in a subtle mind game over the pitch clock in the bottom of the third, leading to a bench-clearing incident. As Heredia walked to first base, he continued talking with Cuevas, and even after reaching first, Cuevas maintained a dissatisfied expression while continuing the altercation. As Cuevas approached first base, the umpires quickly surrounded him to intervene, and players from both teams rushed onto the field, resulting in a bench-clearing brawl.
The game was halted for 2 minutes due to the bench-clearing incident. Kim Gwang-hyun was seen attempting to calm the agitated Heredia, but players from both teams managed to settle the situation without any major clashes.
SSG continued the momentum with Han Yoo-seom's single to right field, creating an opportunity to load the bases with no outs. Although Ko Myung-jun struck out looking, Park Seong-han delivered a two-run single to center field, turning the game around.
KT did not back down. In the top of the eighth inning, Kim Sang-soo's single to center was erased by Kim Min-hyuk's double play, but Bae Jeong-dae struck a brilliant infield single toward first base, igniting a rally. Next, when pinch hitter Cheon Seong-ho was at bat, he attempted to steal second base, but catcher Lee Ji-young made a bad throw that sailed into the outfield, and center fielder Jeong Jun-jae let the ball get past him. Bae Jeong-dae took advantage of this lapse, using his speed to reach home after passing both second and third base. The game was tied at 2-2.
In the bottom of the ninth, after 1 out, Park Seong-han hit a double to right field, quickly creating a scoring opportunity. However, Oh Tae-gon struck out, and Lee Ji-young flew out to center, leading to extra innings.
In the top of the tenth inning, KT faced a chance with lead-off batter Jang Seong-woo walking, followed by Kim Min-hyuk's automatic four-ball, and Cheon Seong-ho's walk, setting up a bases-loaded situation with 2 outs, but Hwang Jae-kyun struck out looking, leaving KT disappointed.
SSG created a scoring opportunity in the bottom of the 11th after 1 out with Han Yoo-seom walking and pinch runner Ahn Sang-hyun stealing second base. After Hwang Jae-hun struck out, Park Seong-han reached base on an automatic four-ball. Then Oh Tae-gon hit a walk-off single to left field, sealing the victory.
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