The Lotte Giants threw the third combined no-hitter in South Korean baseball history Sunday.
Starter Aaron Wilkerson and relievers Koo Seung-min and Kim Won-jung held the SSG Landers to just two walks, with no hit or run allowed, in the Giants’ 1-0 victory at Sajik Baseball Stadium in the southeastern city of Busan.
Wilkerson, in just his third start in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) after replacing Dan Straily last month, struck out six and walked one in seven shutout innings. Koo and Kim each tossed a hitless frame.
There have been 14 no-hitters by a pitcher in KBO history, dating back to 1982. Combined no-hitters aren’t officially recognized in the KBO record book.
The LG Twins had the first combined no-hitter on Oct. 6, 2014, against the NC Dinos. The Landers had the second one against the Dinos on April 2, 2022.
On Sunday, Landers leadoff man Choo Shin-soo drew both of the walks, and no other SSG hitter reached base.
With the game still scoreless in the top of the seventh, Choo drew a leadoff walk but was stranded. Then with the Landers down 1-0 in the top ninth, Choo worked a two-out walk, only to see Choi Ji-hoon ground out to first to end the game and complete the no-hitter.
Yoon Dong-hee knocked in the winning run for the Giants with a double in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Source: Yonhap News Agency