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LG Twins' seven-game streak puts them back in top standing

Published: 14 Apr. 2026, 17:37 Updated: 14 Apr. 2026, 19:19

Choi Won-young of the LG Twins gives his teammates highfives during a game against the SSG Landers at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa District, southern Seoul, on April 12. [NEWS1]

Defending champions LG Twins are regaining momentum after a shaky start, re-establishing themselves as a top contender for the title.

After winning seven straight games through Sunday, the Twins have bounced back from a three-consecutive-loss season opening, ultimately taking home nine of their 10 games, placing them tied with the KT Wiz for first in the league.

The streak began April 4 against the Kiwoom Heroes in Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro District, western Seoul, and continued through Sunday’s game against the SSG Landers in Jamsil, Songpa District, southern Seoul.

During the seven-game stretch, the Twins lead the league with a 2.57 ERA and rank third with a 0.284 team batting average.

The Twins had recorded two separate seven-game winning streaks last season. The team opened the season with seven straight wins, setting a franchise record for the longest winning streak to start a season. In August of last year, the Twins put together another seven-game streak and reclaimed first place after 39 days.

However, the team fell short each time of extending the run to eight games.

Early-season concerns centered on the starting rotation. The team’s two foreign starters, Yonny Chirinos and Anders Tolhurst, struggled in their first outings, giving up multiple runs.

LG Twins starter Yonny Chirinos pitches against the KT Wiz during the clubs' Korea Baseball Organization regular-season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa District, southern Seoul on March 28. [YONHAP]

Chirinos in particular faltered on Opening Day, giving up six runs in one inning. He followed that with another loss against the Heroes on April 3, allowing four runs on nine hits over five innings.

However, Chirinos bounced back against the Landers on Friday, allowing one run over five innings to earn his first win of the season. The rebound showed his sinker is regaining its effectiveness.

Tolhurst picked up his pace quickly after giving up seven runs in three innings against the KIA Tigers on March 31. He responded with one run over six innings against the Heroes on April 5. He then delivered six scoreless innings against the Landers on Sunday, helping secure the seventh straight win. His performance points to a stronger season than his KBO debut last year.

LG Twins pitcher Anders Tolhurst pitches in a bullpen session during spring training in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Feb. 2. [LG TWINS]

Bullpen management has eased with the rotation stabilizing. Closer Yoo Young-chan has emerged as a reliable finisher. Aside from allowing one run in his season debut against the KT Wiz on March 29, he has recorded scoreless saves in all seven subsequent appearances, moving into sole possession of the league lead. He holds a two-save advantage over Wiz’s Park Yeong-hyun, who has five.

New leadoff hitter Cheon Seong-ho has also provided a spark. Filling in for Hong Chang-ki, who has struggled at the plate, Cheon started three consecutive games atop the lineup and collected three hits in his first start against the Landers on Friday. The Twins won all three games with Cheon leading off, completing a weekend sweep.

The Twins’ biggest strength remains their attention to detail. Their defense, regarded as one of the most stable in the league, continues to anchor the team.

Spectators watch a baseball game match between SSG Landers and LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa District, southern Seoul, on April 12. [NEWS1]

Tolhurst praised the team's defense, saying he can focus on his job on the mound because he trusts the defense and takes pride in having strong fielders behind him.

Manager Youm Kyoung-youb’s “Y shift,” which he spent nine years developing, proved effective in Saturday’s 4-3 win over the Landers.

The tactic, often referred to as a “75 percent shift,” is used in tight situations with runners on first and second and no outs, when the opposing team may attempt a bunt or fake bunt. Unlike standard bunt defense, where fielders move in early toward the infield, this shift has players delay their movement and react based on the batter’s actions, putting pressure on the offense.

“The shift has settled in well thanks to the help of coaches Jung Soo-sung and Kim Il-kyoung,” Youm said.

The Twins will look to win their eighth straight game for the first time since May 2019 when they host the Lotte Giants on Tuesday at Jamsil Baseball Stadium.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY BAE YOUNG-EUN [[email protected]]