Hanwha Eagles Extend Winning Streak With Dominant Victory

The Hanwha Eagles are soaring high in the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League, achieving a remarkable seventh consecutive win by defeating the NC Dinos 7-1 at Daejeon Hanwha Life Insurance Eagles Park on April 20, 2025. This victory marks the Eagles' first seven-game winning streak in 24 years, showcasing their dominance in the league as they continue a remarkable run of form.

With this latest win, Hanwha has now collected 10 victories in their last 11 games, propelling them to a season record of 14 wins and 11 losses, placing them firmly in second place with a winning percentage of .560. In stark contrast, the NC Dinos, having suffered three consecutive defeats to the Eagles, now sit at the bottom of the standings with a record of 7 wins and 12 losses.

The star of the show for Hanwha was starting pitcher Cody Ponce, who delivered an outstanding performance. Ponce pitched seven innings, allowing just one hit while striking out 13 batters and not issuing a single walk. His dominant outing included a top pitch speed of 157 km/h and an average of 154 km/h, showcasing his impressive arsenal of fastballs, changeups, sliders, and curves. This performance not only secured Ponce his fourth win of the season but also lowered his ERA from 2.81 to 2.31, solidifying his position as the league leader in strikeouts with a total of 56 strikeouts.

Ponce's remarkable streak continues, as he has now recorded two consecutive games with seven innings pitched and no earned runs, a feat that has not been achieved by a Hanwha foreign pitcher since the team's inception.

The Eagles' offense also played a critical role in the victory, with key contributions from several players. Noh Si-hwan opened the scoring with a solo home run in the second inning, marking his eighth home run of the season and the 100th of his career. This impressive milestone places him among the elite in KBO history, as he becomes the 108th player to reach the 100-home run mark.

Moon Hyun-bin had a standout day at the plate, going 2-for-4 with four RBIs, while Ha Joo-seok contributed with three hits of his own. The Eagles' scoring continued in the fourth inning, where Choi Jae-hoon delivered a timely RBI single, further extending their lead. Hanwha added three more runs in the fifth inning, capitalizing on NC's pitching struggles.

NC's starting pitcher, Lee Yong-chan, faced a challenging outing, allowing five hits and two earned runs over four innings, striking out five but ultimately suffering his first loss of the season due to a lack of offensive support. The NC Dinos managed to avoid a shutout in the eighth inning, thanks to a sacrifice fly from Cheon Jae-hwan.

Looking ahead, Hanwha's victory over NC not only highlights their current form but also sets the stage for a fierce battle ahead as they aim to maintain their winning streak. The Eagles are riding high on confidence, and with Ponce leading the charge, they are poised to continue their ascent in the league standings.

As the 2025 season progresses, the Eagles' performance will be closely watched, especially as they embark on a quest for a playoff spot. Fans are excited about the potential this team holds, and with their recent success, Hanwha is certainly a team to watch in the coming weeks.

In the broader context of the league, the upcoming matchups on April 20, 2025, will see several key games, including the Lotte Giants facing the Samsung Lions, KT Wiz taking on Kiwoom Heroes, LG Twins looking to solidify their standings against SSG Landers, and KIA Tigers battling the Doosan Bears. Each game promises to be crucial as teams jockey for position in the early part of the season.

With the excitement of the KBO League in full swing, fans can expect thrilling performances and fierce competition as the season unfolds. The Hanwha Eagles, with their recent success and strong performances from players like Cody Ponce and Noh Si-hwan, are sure to be at the center of this action as they aim to build on their momentum.