In a gripping pitching duel at Incheon SSG Landers Field, the Doosan Bears fell 1-2 to the SSG Landers in the decisive third game of their series on April 16. Despite generating more hits, Doosan struggled to capitalize on scoring chances, extending their frustrating start to the 2026 SOL KBO League season.
Pitching Battle Defines the Contest
Doosan starter Kim Won-hyung delivered a solid outing but exited after six innings without run support. Reliever Kwak Bin took the mound in the seventh, facing immediate pressure. SSG’s Mi Chi-hwiteu matched him pitch for pitch, limiting Doosan’s threats in a tense affair.
Doosan loaded the bases in the third but Park Chan-ho struck out on eight pitches. Errors and clutch defense from SSG stifled further rallies, including a key fifth-inning sequence where Kim Min-seok grounded into a double play with two outs and a runner on third.
Daz Cameron’s Blast Seals SSG Victory
The turning point came in the bottom of the seventh. With no score through six, foreign slugger Daz Cameron crushed a 125-meter solo home run off Kwak Bin’s 147 km/h fastball at 1B-1S. It marked Cameron’s third homer in two games since his April 14 debut, igniting SSG fans.
SSG added insurance in the eighth on Park Joon-soon’s RBI double and Yang Ui-ji’s sacrifice fly, positioning runners effectively against Doosan’s bullpen. Doosan managed six hits but stranded runners repeatedly, falling short despite superior contact.
Doosan’s Struggles Persist
Despite outhitting SSG, Doosan pitchers issued three walks and allowed timely hits. Kwak Bin absorbed the loss after seven innings, one run, seven hits, one homer, 10 strikeouts, two walks, and 102 pitches. The Bears’ offense produced just one run on six hits and two walks.
Doosan’s fanbase grows anxious after this series defeat, with no momentum in early games. They now shift focus to a home series against KIA Tigers, who enter on a seven-game losing streak.
Upcoming Clash with KIA
Doosan hosts KIA starting April 17 at Jamsil Stadium. Pitching matchups feature Doosan’s Kwak Bin against KIA’s ace, promising fireworks. With KIA reeling from 10 games with only nine runs, Doosan eyes a turnaround but must sharpen execution to avoid a similar skid.
