SSG’s Landers Lee secures the win.
SSG won 4-3 in extra innings against the Samsung Lions of the 2024 KBO League on Wednesday at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, South Korea. Jeon Ui-san’s game-winning home run gave SSG the lead, and Lee pitched two scoreless innings with one hit, two walks, and two strikeouts to secure the victory. Lee had a day to remember, especially against Daegu High senior Koo Ja-uk.
Lee took the mound in the 10th inning with the score tied 3-3. Facing leadoff hitter Ahn Joo-hyung, he induced an infield grounder that shortstop Park Sung-sung couldn’t handle, allowing a run to score. He then laid down a sacrifice bunt to Kang Kang-ul, putting runners on first and second. A single run would end the game. SSG chose to send out pinch-hitter Kim Dong-yeop on an automatic high four.
The tension was high, but Lee remained calm. He got the next batter, Kim Hyun-joon, to fly out to center field for the final out. After a shaky start to the game against Kim, Lee gave up a walk. The bases were loaded again. However, he induced a swinging strikeout against Koo Ja-uk to end the inning without allowing a run.
In the 11th inning, Jeon Ui-san’s home run gave the Koreans a 4-3 lead. Lee got David McKinnon to fly out to right field and Kang Min-ho to fly out to right field. He then struck out Jae-il Oh to end the game.
Lee struck out Daegu High senior Gu Jauk in a clutch moment. Since joining the team, Lee has mentioned Gu as his favorite batter to face. Despite being a second-year rookie, Lee was not intimidated by the big man and struck him out.
After the game, Lee reflected on the game against Koo and said, “The hardest part was when I gave up a walk to Kim Sung-yoon and faced Koo.” He added, “Lee Ji-young told me to play like a man. I told her that I wanted to go for the body because the ball kept going to the right-handed batter. My fastball was working well, so my last changeup was effective,” he said.
“I’m happy that I was able to throw a scoreless inning today. I haven’t been pitching 메이저사이트 well lately, and I’m going to use today as an opportunity to continue my good form. I want the team to win first and foremost. I will continue to do my best to go out there and take charge of the innings.”
Meanwhile, Lee joined SSG as the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2023 draft from Daegu High School. In 50 games in his rookie season, he posted a 6-1 record with a 5.62 ERA in 57⅔ innings pitched.
