LG Twins outfielder Song Chan delivered a breakout performance against the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Stadium on April 26, recording three hits in five at-bats, including a game-tying two-run homer and two RBIs.
Song Chan Emerges as Benjamine Slayer
Song Chan targeted Doosan left-hander Benjamine relentlessly, collecting all three hits off him and dubbing himself the new “Benjamine Killer.” Benjamine, long feared as the “LG Killer,” posted a 5-2 record with a 1.66 ERA in 10 starts against LG. In 2023 alone, he went 4-0 with a 0.84 ERA over five outings versus LG starters. Across 2022-2024 with KT, Benjamine logged 74 games, a 31-18 record, and 3.74 ERA.
Other LG hitters struggled against Benjamine this season: Oh Ji-hwan (.143, 2-for-14), Park Hae-min (.095, 2-for-21), Moon Sung-ju (.091, 1-for-11), and Shin Min-jae (.100, 1-for-10). LG turned to Song Chan in the crucial matchup.
Key Plays Fuel LG Comeback
In the bottom of the second, Song Chan led off with an RBI single to center, plating the Twins’ first run. Gu Bon-hyuk followed with a sacrifice bunt to advance him to second, though no further runs scored.
The fourth inning saw Song Chan open with a left-field single, reaching second on a forkball before stranding there with two outs.
The pivotal moment arrived in the bottom of the sixth with one out and a runner on first. Facing a 2-ball, 1-strike count, Song Chan crushed Benjamine’s 127 km/h sweeper—perfectly placed down the middle—for a 115-meter two-run homer over the left-field wall, knotting the score at 2-2.
Career-High Mark Against Lefties
Song Chan’s exploits boosted his season line against left-handed pitchers to 7-for-10 (.700) with five RBIs. Previously 4-for-7 (.571), he went 3-for-3 this game. LG eyes him as a rising star in the outfield, poised for everyday duty.
