Baseball
Baseball
Rookie Kim Min-jun Dominates with New Slider, Securing SSG Victory
SSG Landers defeated the Doosan Bears 6-2 at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 29th, propelled by a strong performance from rookie pitcher Kim Min-jun and a potent offense. This victory allowed SSG to rebound from a close extra-innings loss the previous day, maintaining their ninth-place standing in the league with a season record of 37 wins, 4 ties, and 57 losses.
Kim Min-jun, a 20-year-old high school graduate, earned his fourth win of the season by pitching six innings, allowing five hits (including one home run), one walk, two strikeouts, and two earned runs on 90 pitches. His fastball reached a top speed of 151 km/h. This outing marked his second consecutive quality start, a feat not achieved by an SSG (or former SK Wyverns) high school rookie pitcher since Je Chun-mo 24 years ago in 2002.
Early in the game, Kim Min-jun faced pressure in the first inning, giving up consecutive hits to Park Chan-ho and Seve Rino, leading to a sacrifice fly by Park Jun-soon for Doosan’s first run. However, he prevented further scoring by inducing a double play from Yang Eui-ji. He also navigated a situation in the second inning without conceding additional runs. His improved control and aggressive pitching, a notable change from his previous 5.12 walks per nine innings, were crucial.
A key factor in Kim Min-jun’s recent success has been a new slider, developed with advice from foreign pitcher Pedro Avila, who suggested throwing it “like a fastball, with more power.” Kim Min-jun expressed confidence in the pitch, noting that teammate Cho Hyung-woo also praised its break. The SSG offense provided ample support, with Jung Jun-jae contributing two hits, two runs, and one RBI, Park Sung-han adding two hits and two RBIs, and Madris hitting a decisive two-run home run in the third inning. Relief pitcher Noh Kyung-eun also made history, securing his 130th career hold in the seventh inning.
Manager Lee Soong-yong commended Kim Min-jun for proving his value as a starting pitcher in front of the home crowd and highlighted Madris’s crucial home run and Jeon Eui-san’s timely hitting. Kim Min-jun, celebrating his first home win, aims to reach seven victories this season and is already preparing for his next start against LG, a team he struggled against in his debut.
Sources
