The Return of LG’s Nemesis: How KT’s Ace De Jesus Shut Down the Twins and Settled an Old Score

The Ace Returns: De Jesus Dominates LG Once Again

Did you know? Emmanuel De Jesus, often called LG’s 'Grim Reaper,' made a triumphant return to form on June 24, 2025, at Suwon KT Wiz Park. Pitching six scoreless innings with seven hits allowed, he led KT Wiz to a crucial 5-0 victory over the LG Twins. This performance not only lowered his ERA to 2.75 but also marked his sixth win of the season, reaffirming his status as KT’s ace.
Fans and analysts alike were quick to point out that De Jesus’s mastery over LG is becoming a defining narrative of his KBO career.

A Rivalry Forged in Fire: KT vs. LG in Recent Seasons

The KT Wiz and LG Twins have built a fierce rivalry, especially after KT’s repeated postseason frustrations against LG. De Jesus’s acquisition was seen as a strategic move to finally tip the scales. His history against LG is legendary: last season with Kiwoom, he went 3-0 with a 0.00 ERA in three starts, striking out 20 batters in 19 innings. This background adds extra spice to every matchup.
On Korean sports communities like DC Inside and FM Korea, fans debate whether De Jesus is the missing piece for KT’s championship ambitions.

Pitching Duel: De Jesus vs. Chirinos – A Battle of Friends

The June 24 game was more than just a regular-season clash. De Jesus faced off against his friend, LG’s ace Chirinos, in a much-anticipated showdown. While both pitchers exchanged strong innings, it was De Jesus who emerged victorious, avenging previous defeats and proving his mettle. The narrative of friends-turned-rivals added a layer of drama that fans relished.
Community reactions were overwhelmingly positive for De Jesus, with comments like 'He owns LG!' and 'This is the ace we needed.'

Statistical Brilliance: Breaking Down the Numbers

Let’s dig into the numbers: De Jesus’s 6-inning shutout lowered his ERA from 2.96 to 2.75. Over his last four starts against LG (including his Kiwoom days), he’s allowed just one earned run in 25 innings. His strikeout-to-walk ratio remains elite, and his ability to strand runners under pressure is drawing praise from analysts.
On Naver and Tistory blogs, detailed breakdowns highlight his improved fastball command and his devastating slider, which LG hitters struggled to handle.

Fan Culture and Community Buzz: The 'LG Slayer' Phenomenon

Korean baseball fandom is known for its passionate, sometimes superstitious, narratives. The 'LG Slayer' nickname for De Jesus has taken on a life of its own, with memes, fan art, and even parody songs circulating on PGR21 and FM Korea. Positive reactions dominate, with over 80% of comments praising his performance, though some LG fans express frustration at their team’s inability to solve him.
One top comment reads, 'Every time De Jesus pitches, LG fans get nervous. He’s their true nemesis.'

Cultural Insights: Why This Matchup Resonates in Korea

For international fans, it’s worth understanding why this rivalry is so intense. The LG Twins are one of Korea’s most storied franchises, with a massive, loyal fanbase. KT Wiz, as a newer team, represents the challenger spirit. When a foreign ace like De Jesus repeatedly dominates a powerhouse like LG, it becomes a symbol of hope and pride for KT fans.
In Korean sports culture, narratives of revenge, redemption, and personal rivalries are celebrated, making De Jesus’s story especially compelling.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for KT and De Jesus?

With this win, KT Wiz climbed to a tie for fifth place, reigniting hopes for a deep postseason run. De Jesus’s form suggests he’ll be central to those ambitions. Fans are already speculating about a potential playoff rematch with LG, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this saga.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on De Jesus to see if he can maintain his dominance and lead KT to new heights.