LG Twins’ new foreign pitcher, Jon Kennedy, experienced a difficult outing in his second appearance, struggling with control and allowing multiple runs. After a promising debut where he retired the side on just four pitches, Kennedy’s performance against the KT Wiz on May 20th saw him issue several walks and give up key hits, ultimately contributing to the Twins’ significant loss. His inability to go deep into the game highlighted challenges in his multi-inning relief appearances.
Kennedy’s Unique Profile and Debut Promise
Jon Kennedy, standing at an imposing 203cm (approximately 6’8″), is a left-handed sidearm pitcher with a distinctive throwing motion. His initial appearance in the KBO League on May 19th against the KT Wiz was noteworthy. Entering the game in the bottom of the 8th inning with one out and a runner on first, Kennedy immediately made an impact by inducing a ground ball out from veteran Dae-ho Lee, ending the inning cleanly on just four pitches. This efficient start hinted at his potential.
LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop had previously described Kennedy’s pitching style as exceptionally difficult for hitters. “When we divide pitchers, some have good command, and others have tricky deliveries. Kennedy has a very tricky delivery,” Yeom explained on May 20th. “He has deception, and despite his height, his reach is long, giving the impression he’s throwing from a bit closer. He has many advantages in terms of timing for hitters. Another strength is that his control isn’t that bad.” This assessment underscored the unique challenges Kennedy’s style presents to opposing batters.
The May 20th Game: A Turning Point
The game on May 20th saw the LG Twins initially take a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the 4th inning thanks to a two-run homer by Moon Bo-gyeong and back-to-back home runs from Oh Ji-hwan. Following starter Park Si-won’s three innings, relievers Lee Woo-chan and Kim Jin-soo pitched one inning each. However, in the 6th inning, Kim Jin-soo gave up a lead-off home run to Oh Yun-seok, prompting the Twins’ bullpen to bring in Kennedy.
Kennedy entered the game with the bases empty and one out. He managed to strike out Ryu Hyun-in swinging and induced ground ball outs from Lee Jung-beom and Han Sung-taek to end the inning. He continued pitching in the 7th inning, facing the heart of the opposing lineup. After recording an out against Kim Sang-soo on a ground ball, Kennedy faced Choi Won-joon. On a 1-2 count, Kennedy issued a walk after a lengthy at-bat, followed by another walk to Kim Hyun-soo, filling the bases.
Challenges with Control and Base Runners
Kennedy’s struggles continued as he allowed a walk to Ahn Hyeon-min, forcing in a run and loading the bases again. This sequence of walks demonstrated a dip in his control, making it difficult to escape jams. The unique sidearm delivery, while effective at times, also seemed to allow runners to advance easily on stolen bases, as seen when a runner successfully stole third base behind Kennedy. Despite the pressure, Kennedy managed to get Ahn Hyeon-min to hit into a fielder’s choice for the first out, but the damage was mounting.
With the bases still loaded and one out, the Twins’ strategy shifted. They brought in right-handed reliever Woo Kang-hoon. Woo Kang-hoon gave up a bunt single to Heill-eard, allowing another run to score, and then allowed a bases-clearing double to Kim Min-hyuk. These hits against the bullpen ultimately led to Kennedy being charged with three earned runs. In total, Kennedy’s outing lasted 1 and 1/3 innings, during which he allowed 3 earned runs, 1 hit, and 3 walks, striking out 1 batter. His earned run average for the game ballooned to 13.50.
The Game’s Outcome and Kennedy’s Statistics
The LG Twins’ bullpen faltered significantly after Kennedy’s exit. The team conceded six runs in the 7th inning, surrendering their lead, and added another seven runs in the 8th inning, resulting in a lopsided 16-4 defeat. The series of walks issued by Kennedy and the subsequent struggles of the bullpen proved to be critical turning points in the game.
Kennedy’s performance marked a stark contrast to his debut, highlighting the challenges of maintaining consistency and control in the KBO League. His second appearance, characterized by a high pitch count due to walks and the inability to shut down the opposing offense, resulted in a significant number of earned runs. This outing leaves questions about his readiness for extended relief duty and his ability to consistently perform against league hitters.
For the season, Kennedy’s statistics now stand at 2 appearances, 1 and 1/3 innings pitched, 3 earned runs, and an ERA of 13.50. The team will need to evaluate his role and development moving forward, particularly his command and ability to limit baserunners.
