KIA's ace Yang Hyeon-jong nears 190th career win, one step closer to Song Jin-woo's record

KIA Tigers' veteran pitcher Yang Hyeon-jong is inching closer to a significant career milestone: his 190th win. In his 20th season, the 38-year-old ace took the mound at Gwangju Kia Champions Field on June 18, 2026, for a game against the LG Twins. Despite navigating through several challenging innings, Yang managed to pitch five innings, conceding two runs before passing the ball to reliever Jo Sang-woo.

The game saw Yang face numerous difficult situations, many of which stemmed from walks issued to opposing batters. However, his ability to limit the damage and keep the team in contention demonstrated his enduring skill and resilience. This performance has set the stage for him to potentially achieve his 190th career victory, a feat that would place him in elite company in Korean baseball history.

Yang Hyeon-jong's pursuit of this record is particularly noteworthy as he aims to surpass the long-standing record held by Song Jin-woo, who previously held the title for the most career wins in the league. The veteran pitcher's journey to this point has been marked by consistent performance and dedication over two decades, making his current pursuit a focal point for fans and sports analysts alike.

The conditions for Yang's next potential win appear to be in place, fueling anticipation for his upcoming starts. His performance against the LG Twins, while not a complete shutout, showcased his capability to perform under pressure and contribute to his team's efforts, bringing him one step closer to etching his name further into the baseball record books.