SSG Landers resolved to take on a major challenge after allowing foreign pitcher Cody Ponce (31) of Hanwha Eagles to set a new record for the most strikeouts in a single game with 18, based on standard innings.
On the 17th, Ponce showcased an extraordinary performance in the first game of a doubleheader against SSG in Daejeon, pitching 8 innings with 2 hits allowed, 1 walk, and 18 strikeouts with no runs. He held a no-hitter until 2 outs in the 8th inning, striking out 18 batters and recalling the record of 18 strikeouts in 13 innings set by Seon Dong-yeol of Haitai in 1991. Based on standard innings, this broke the previous record of 17 strikeouts in 9 innings by Ryu Hyun-jin of Hanwha in 2010.
The 17 strikeouts record, which seemed unlikely to be broken, was shattered in front of Ryu Hyun-jin. Hanwha manager Kim Kyung-moon said ahead of the SSG game on the 18th about Ponce's 18 strikeouts, “I thought it would be hard to break, but the record was shattered right in front of me. I really congratulated him,” and noted, “Among the foreign players I've worked with, I've seen some good hitters, but there aren't that many memorable pitchers.” He acknowledged that Ponce is the best foreign pitcher he has led on the team.
SSG manager Lee Seung-yong noted, “The players also discussed with the hitting coach about shortening their grip on the bat, but the pitcher performed well. You can't just stand there to avoid striking out,” and added, “Since we were struck out twice, rather than saying we were struck out, Ponce really pitched well. However, we need to prepare well for when we meet him next time.”
Ponce achieved a victory against SSG on the 15th of last month, pitching 7 innings with 1 hit allowed, 3 walks, and 12 strikeouts without allowing runs. Up until the first game of the doubleheader on the 17th, he demonstrated overwhelming pitching with 30 strikeouts, 3 hits allowed, 4 walks, across 15 innings in 2 games against SSG, and although Ponce has pitched well against all teams, SSG cannot afford to lose again in their third matchup.
Although they allowed Ponce to set a remarkable record, SSG quickly overcame the shock by winning the second game of the doubleheader 5-2. Starting pitcher Mitch White pitched excellently for 7 innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk, 11 strikeouts, and 1 run while leading the counterattack against Hanwha's lineup. White secured his 4th win in 6 games this season, lowering his earned run average to 2.29.
Manager Lee Seung-yong praised, “White pitched well. His fastball and off-speed pitches were nearly perfect. Drew Anderson and White's one-two punch is becoming stronger,” and added, “As long as he doesn’t get hurt, White has the value of his pitches and method of managing the mound almost perfectly.”
Meanwhile, SSG faced Hanwha's left-handed starter Ryu Hyun-jin with an lineup including Jeong Jun-jae (second baseman), Park Seong-han (shortstop), Choi Jeong (designated hitter), Han Yu-seom (left fielder), Ko Myung-jun (first baseman), Ryan McBroom (right fielder), Ahn Sang-hyun (third baseman), Jo Hyung-woo (catcher), and Chae Hyun-woo (center fielder). The starting pitcher was Moon Seung-won.
Lead-off hitter Choi Ji-hoon was excluded from the lineup. Manager Lee Seung-yong stated, “He reports that the area where he was injured last year (the thigh) feels a little heavy. He says he can play, but he also played in the doubleheader yesterday, so I want to save him,” adding that “He’s not hurt, just preparing to come on as a substitute.”
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