Anthony Veneziano, SSG Landers’ highly anticipated new foreign pitcher, showcased increasing dominance in a 2026 KBO League exhibition game against the Lotte Giants on March 24 at Incheon SSG Landers Field. Betting odds on his strikeout prowess shortened dramatically from 10.80 to 4.91 and now stand at 3.65.
Veneziano completed 5 innings as the second starter, recording 7 strikeouts while surrendering just 1 run on a home run. This followed his previous appearance on March 17 against the Samsung Lions, where he fired 4 scoreless innings with 6 strikeouts. Over the outing, he efficiently threw 74 pitches, maintaining a sharp strike rate. His slider and sweeper emerged as particularly devastating weapons.
Game Highlights
The only blemish came in the top of the 2nd inning against Yoo Kang-nam. In a 2-ball, 1-strike count, Veneziano’s fastball down the middle connected squarely, resulting in a solo shot to left field. Undeterred, he struck out Shin Yu-hoon and Jeon Min-jae to escape further damage.
He yielded a single hit each in the 3rd and 4th innings but showed no signs of rattled composure. Veneziano capped his day perfectly in the top of the 5th, retiring Jeon Min-jae, Jang Du-seong, and Han Tae-yang in order on strikeouts.
Contract and Expectations
SSG secured Veneziano on a deal worth about $850,000 (roughly 1.27 billion won). The right-hander steps onto the KBO stage for the first time this season. Analysts expect his explosive fastball paired with pinpoint breaking pitches to make a significant impact throughout the campaign.
