LG Twins’ Turbulent Night: Hernandez’s Headshot Ejection, Forced Bullpen Day, and a Costly Losing Streak

A Night of Unraveling: LG Twins’ Plans Go Awry

Did you know that a single pitch can change the fate of a whole series? On June 17, 2025, the LG Twins, led by manager Yeom Kyung-yeop, faced the NC Dinos at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, hoping to bounce back after slipping to second place in the KBO standings. With ace Elieser Hernandez on the mound, expectations were high. But the night quickly turned into a nightmare as Hernandez was ejected in the second inning for a headshot pitch, forcing LG into an unplanned bullpen day and ultimately leading to a 2-6 defeat. This loss, combined with the Hanwha Eagles’ victory, widened the gap between the two teams to 1.5 games, leaving LG with a 40-2-28 record and a shaken sense of momentum.

Hernandez’s Ejection: The Incident That Changed Everything

The game’s turning point came early. After a solid first inning, Hernandez’s seventh pitch in the second inning—a 143 km/h fastball—struck NC’s Park Kun-woo on the helmet. The stadium fell silent as trainers rushed to the field. Fortunately, Park’s helmet absorbed most of the impact, sparing him from serious injury, but he was replaced and sent for medical evaluation. According to KBO rules, Hernandez was immediately ejected for the headshot, marking the sixth such ejection this season. The incident underscored the league’s growing emphasis on player safety, with both teams and fans expressing concern and support for Park’s recovery.

Bullpen Day Chaos: How LG’s Pitching Staff Was Tested

With Hernandez out, LG was forced into a bullpen day, calling on rookie Kim Young-woo in a high-pressure situation. Kim struggled, allowing runs in both the second and third innings, and the bullpen carousel continued with Jang Hyun-sik, Jung Woo-young, Kim Jin-sung, Lim Jun-hyung, Park Myung-geun, and Sung Dong-hyun all taking the mound. Despite some strong relief appearances, the constant pitching changes disrupted LG’s rhythm, and the team couldn’t contain NC’s offense. Only Moon Sung-joo managed a multi-hit game for LG, highlighting the team’s offensive struggles on a night when pitching depth was stretched to its limits.

Community Reactions: Fans Voice Frustration and Concern

Korean baseball communities on Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21 buzzed with reactions after the game. The majority of comments expressed concern for Park Kun-woo’s health, relief that his injury wasn’t severe, and frustration over the frequency of headshot incidents in the KBO. LG fans lamented the team’s bad luck and questioned the bullpen management, while some praised the sportsmanship shown by both teams in the aftermath of the incident. The overall sentiment was a mix of anxiety about player safety and disappointment in LG’s inability to capitalize on their ace’s start.

Cultural Insight: Why Headshots Are a Big Deal in Korean Baseball

For international fans, it’s important to understand the cultural weight of headshot incidents in Korean baseball. The KBO has strict rules about headshots, with automatic ejections for pitchers and increasing scrutiny on player safety. This reflects a broader shift in Korean sports culture, where the well-being of athletes is becoming a top priority. The incident reignited debates about protective gear, coaching, and the need for ongoing education to prevent dangerous plays. Fans and teams alike are pushing for a safer environment, recognizing that a single injury can alter a player’s career and a team’s season.

The Standings Shift: LG’s Losing Streak and the Hanwha Eagles’ Rise

LG’s loss to NC, coupled with Hanwha’s 6-0 win over Lotte, pushed the Twins further from the top spot. After a 1-1-1 result against Hanwha in Daejeon, LG’s grip on first place slipped, and the team now faces mounting pressure to regain momentum. The bullpen’s heavy workload and the offense’s inconsistency are major concerns as the season enters a critical stretch. Meanwhile, Hanwha’s resurgence—reclaiming first place for the first time in 33 years—adds another layer of drama to the KBO’s competitive landscape.

What’s Next for LG? Searching for Answers and a Turnaround

With the series just beginning, LG must regroup quickly. Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop faces tough decisions about pitching rotations and bullpen usage, especially with Hernandez likely facing suspension. The team’s depth will be tested, and fans are eager to see if LG can overcome adversity and close the gap with Hanwha. The next games will be crucial in determining whether this setback is a temporary stumble or the start of a deeper slump.

Fan Comments: The Pulse of the Community

On Naver and Daum blogs, fans shared mixed reactions: about 60% expressed concern for Park Kun-woo and called for stricter safety measures, while 40% focused on LG’s tactical missteps and bullpen fatigue. Representative comments included, “Player safety must come first, even if it costs us the game,” and “LG’s bullpen is exhausted—how will they survive the rest of the series?” On DC Inside and FM Korea, debates raged over the fairness of the ejection rule and the need for better coaching. PGR21 users highlighted the emotional toll on both teams, with one top comment reading, “Baseball is more than just a game—it’s about protecting our players.”

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for LG and the KBO

The June 17 game between LG and NC was more than just a loss for the Twins—it was a wake-up call for the entire league. As the KBO continues to evolve, incidents like Hernandez’s headshot ejection remind everyone of the delicate balance between competition and safety. For LG, the road ahead is uncertain, but the team’s response to adversity will shape their season and their legacy in Korean baseball.