In a key preseason matchup, LG Twins starter Song Sung-ki delivered a commanding performance against the SSG Landers on March 19 in Incheon, tossing three perfect innings before exiting after 46 pitches with one run allowed.
Song took the mound amid high expectations as a prime candidate for Korea’s World Baseball Classic (WBC) roster. He retired the side in order through three frames, facing just nine batters and throwing 32 pitches. In the first, he induced three groundouts. The second saw 10 pitches with quick work, while the third featured a slider-heavy approach, including a key strikeout looking after fouling off a slider.
Fourth-Inning Drama
Song returned for the fourth, striking out two SSG hitters on 10 pitches. However, he issued a 10-pitch walk to Eredia, who advanced on a wild pitch. Choi Jeong reached on a single, setting up a 2-2 tie when Song departed. Analysis shows his fastball topped 129 km/h, maintaining command despite the Miami time zone adjustment from national team camp.
National Team Prep
The national team arrived in Japan on March 16 after U.S. training in Miami. Pitchers adapted over 24 hours to combat jet lag ahead of WBC duties. Song, who struggled in last WBC with one inning pitched, aims for deeper outings this time.
Before the game, pitching coach Yeom Kyung-yeop noted, “We’re unifying our approach today. Song threw more than 50 in practice and plans 70 next time.”
Post-Game Reflections
Song reflected, “I aimed to prepare for WBC by starting today despite the whole team watching. Not throwing more innings yet, but my body feels better, so let’s keep building stamina.”
On the homer, he added, “I felt solid through four, but home worries crept in after the walk. Still, good to match one after that.”
Yeom praised, “(Lee) Woo-chan and (Jang) Hyun-sik adjusted well. (Moon) Sung-ju’s two outs and Austin’s RBI homer tied it, pulling the trigger effectively.”
Observers hailed Song’s effort: “He threw strikes often, first pitch solid despite speed, and Kim Kwang-sam prepped well.”
