Seoul: For the second time in less than a week, right-handed pitcher Im Chan-kyu emerged as the savior for the LG Twins, delivering a crucial scoreless performance that led his team to a narrow 1-0 victory over the Samsung Lions on Thursday at Jamsil Baseball Stadium. This win keeps the Twins in contention in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason, forcing a Game 4 in their series against the Lions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Im, who had previously played a pivotal role in extending the Twins’ season by winning Game 5 against the KT Wiz just last Friday, repeated his heroics under immense pressure. On Thursday, with the Twins trailing 0-2 in the best-of-five series, Im pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing no runs and just three hits against the Lions. This performance came on the heels of his six innings of one-run ball in his last outing, where he also only gave up three hits and struck out four, crucially keeping the Twins’ defense of their Korean Series title alive.
In a tense match where ever
y pitch could tilt the scale, Im managed to maintain his composure, especially in key moments like in the fourth inning when he successfully pitched out of a jam by striking out Kang Min-ho with two runners on base. His ability to dodge threats was highlighted early in the game when Lewin Diaz of the Lions nearly changed the game’s complexion with two massive hits that just went foul.
The game’s only run came in the fifth inning when Hong Chang-ki hit a sacrifice fly, providing the slim margin needed for victory. Im exited the game in the sixth inning, handing over to reliever Elieser Hernandez, who completed the game with a rare 11-out save, striking out five, including a dramatic end to the ninth inning where he reached speeds of 151 kilometers per hour.
This postseason has seen Im transform his record, achieving three wins in three starts this month alone, after not securing a win as a starter in his previous six postseason appearances. Reflecting on his recent success, Im credited his mental growth and
focus. “I don’t think I’ve made any dramatic improvement,” he stated. “I guess the fact that I’ve been able to stay composed means I have grown up a bit. I’ve been trying not to get caught up in the moment, and just focus on each and every pitch.”
The Twins are now set to face the Lions again in Game 4 at Jamsil. However, with rain expected Friday evening, there might be a delay which could push the game to Saturday. This delay could allow Hernandez, who pitched significantly in Thursday’s game, to potentially pitch again if needed.