Hanwha Eagles Aim For Historic Ninth Win Against Samsung Lions

On May 7, 2025, the Hanwha Eagles continued their impressive run in the KBO League with a thrilling matchup against the Samsung Lions at Hanwha Life Insurance Eagles Park in Daejeon. The Eagles, riding high on an eight-game winning streak, are now eyeing a historic ninth consecutive victory, a feat they haven't achieved in 20 years.

The game featured Samsung's starting pitcher Lee Seung-hyun, who was looking to turn around his season after a disappointing start. Lee entered the game with a record of four losses and an ERA of 6.75. In contrast, Hanwha's ace, Moon Dong-ju, took the mound with a solid record of three wins and an ERA of 3.03, bolstered by three consecutive victories in his last outings.

Hanwha's recent success has been remarkable. Just a day prior, on May 6, they secured a 3-1 comeback win against the same Samsung Lions, marking their eighth consecutive win. This victory tied them for first place in the league with the LG Twins, each boasting a record of 23 wins and 13 losses.

In that game against Samsung, Hanwha's Ryu Hyun-jin started strong, pitching five innings while allowing only one run on four hits and four walks, striking out six batters. This performance not only earned him his fourth win of the season but also marked his 190th career victory, a significant milestone in his illustrious career.

The bullpen followed suit, with Park Sang-won, Kim Beom-soo, Jung Woo-joo, Cho Dong-wook, and Han Seung-hyuk combining for a scoreless relief effort. Their effective pitching kept the Lions at bay, allowing Hanwha to maintain their momentum.

Offensively, it was foreign hitter Esteban Florial who delivered the decisive blow, hitting a go-ahead RBI single in the fifth inning that shifted the game's momentum entirely. Noh Si-hwan also contributed significantly with two hits and one run scored, showcasing the depth and talent of the Eagles' lineup.

For Samsung, the struggles continued as they faced their fourth consecutive loss. Starting pitcher Won Tae-in, who had been performing well this season, suffered his first defeat after allowing three runs on seven hits over six innings. His record now stands at three wins and one loss.

As the teams faced off again on May 7, the stakes were high for Samsung, who desperately needed a win to break their losing streak. Lee Seung-hyun's performance was critical; he aimed to secure his first win of the season against a formidable Hanwha squad. In his previous match against the Eagles, he had shown promise, allowing just one earned run in five innings during a previous encounter.

The matchup was not only pivotal for the standings but also steeped in historical significance for Hanwha. If they clinched the victory, it would mark their first nine-game winning streak since June 2005, a milestone that would be celebrated by fans and players alike.

Moon Dong-ju's recent form had elevated him to be one of the top five pitchers in the league, and he was poised to deliver another strong performance. His ability to handle pressure and execute under duress would be key in keeping the Eagles' winning streak alive.

As the game progressed, the atmosphere at Hanwha Life Insurance Eagles Park was electric, with fans rallying behind their team. The tension was palpable as both teams fought for dominance on the field. Would Samsung be able to snap their losing streak, or would Hanwha continue their historic run?

The game was a testament to the competitive spirit of the KBO League, where every pitch and every at-bat could turn the tide. As the innings unfolded, both teams showcased their strengths, with Hanwha's offense seeking to capitalize on any mistakes made by Samsung's defense, while the Lions looked to regain their footing in the league.

With the playoffs looming on the horizon, every game counts, and both teams understood the importance of this matchup. Hanwha's quest for a ninth consecutive win was not just about the numbers; it was about pride, history, and the desire to perform at their best.

As the clock ticked down and the game reached its climax, the excitement among the fans grew. Would Hanwha's winning streak extend, or would Samsung find a way to turn their fortunes around? Only time would tell as the players battled it out on the diamond, each moment filled with potential and anticipation.