Hanwha Eagles Extend Winning Streak With Rain-Shortened Victory

On April 19, 2025, the Hanwha Eagles continued their impressive run in the KBO League by defeating the NC Dinos 7-2 in a rain-shortened game at Daejeon Hanwha Life Eagles Park. This victory marked the Eagles' sixth consecutive win, propelling them to second place in the standings with a record of 13 wins and 11 losses. Meanwhile, the NC Dinos fell to ninth place with a record of 7 wins and 11 losses, suffering their second consecutive defeat.

The game started with NC taking an early lead in the third inning. After Choi Jeong-won drew a walk, Kim Joo-won hit a two-run triple, followed by Park Min-woo's RBI single, putting NC ahead 2-0. However, Hanwha quickly responded. In the bottom of the third, Esteban Florial launched a solo home run, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

Hanwha's offensive explosion came in the fourth inning, where they scored six runs to turn the game around. With no outs and runners on first and third, Choi Jae-hoon tied the game with a sacrifice fly. Then, Kim Tae-yeon hit a two-run double, giving Hanwha a 4-2 lead. The scoring didn't stop there; Noh Si-hwan followed up with a three-run home run, extending the lead to 7-2.

Starting pitcher Moon Dong-ju was instrumental in Hanwha's success, pitching five innings and allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out seven batters. This performance earned him his second win of the season. The game was called after the top of the fifth inning due to heavy rain, lasting 81 minutes before the umpires declared it a regulation game.

Notably, Hanwha's achievement of six consecutive starting pitcher wins is significant, as it is the first time since 2007 that the franchise has accomplished this feat. The streak includes victories from Moon Dong-ju, Cody Ponce, Ryan Weiss, Ryu Hyun-jin, and Eom Sang-baek. This marks a remarkable turnaround for a team that struggled at the start of the season.

In the context of the league, this victory not only solidifies Hanwha's position in the playoff race but also highlights the resurgence of their pitching staff, which has been a point of concern earlier in the season. Manager Kim Kyung-moon expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly emphasizing the importance of the starting pitchers stepping up during this winning streak.

Meanwhile, in other KBO action, the KIA Tigers ended their five-game losing streak against the Doosan Bears with an 8-4 victory, thanks in part to Choi Won-jun's clutch two-RBI single in the sixth inning. The Samsung Lions also showcased their power, defeating the Lotte Giants 10-3 with four home runs. In a dominating performance, the KT Wiz crushed the Kiwoom Heroes 11-1, led by Mel Rojas Jr.'s two home runs.

As the season progresses, the Eagles will look to maintain their momentum and continue their ascent in the standings. With a potent lineup and a revitalized pitching staff, Hanwha appears poised to challenge for a playoff spot as the KBO season unfolds.