As the KBO League heats up, the Kiwoom Heroes will take on the Hanwha Eagles in a much-anticipated three-game series starting today, May 9, 2025, at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. This matchup marks a significant moment for both teams, as they are at opposite ends of the standings. Kiwoom, currently sitting in 10th place with a record of 13 wins and 27 losses, is hoping to shake off a rough start to the season. In contrast, Hanwha is riding high in first place with 24 wins and 13 losses, boasting a remarkable nine-game winning streak and aiming for their 10th consecutive victory.
Hanwha's quest for a historic 10-game winning streak is particularly notable. The last time the Eagles achieved such a feat was back in October 1999, when they won ten straight games, a record they are eager to match after 25 years. Fans are buzzing with anticipation, believing that Hanwha could extend their winning streak to 12 games if they sweep the series against Kiwoom.
However, Kiwoom is not to be underestimated. On May 7, they pulled off a stunning comeback against the KIA Tigers, scoring eight runs in the eighth inning to turn a 10-3 deficit into an 11-10 victory. This thrilling win ended a four-game losing streak and has given the team a much-needed boost of confidence. Kim Tae-jin, who had only hit nine home runs in his eleven-year career, hit a crucial grand slam during that game, while Choi Joo-hwan followed up with a three-RBI double, showcasing the team’s resilience.
Kiwoom’s manager, Hong Won-ki, expressed his hope that the recent victory will serve as a turning point for the team. "I hope today’s win will be a catalyst for our team to bounce back," he stated, while Kim Tae-jin added, "This can be a stepping stone for us to take our game to the next level." Last year, Kiwoom had a winning record against Hanwha, finishing the season with ten wins to six losses.
As for today's game, Kiwoom will send Ha Yeong-min to the mound, while Hanwha will counter with Eom Sang-baek, who struggled in his previous outing against Kiwoom, allowing three earned runs in three innings. The pitching matchups for the series also include Cody Ponce for Hanwha in the second game and Ryan Weiss in the third, making for an intriguing contest.
Gocheok Sky Dome has been a fortress for the Heroes, having recorded four consecutive sellouts leading up to this series. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans flock to witness this critical matchup. The stakes are high, with Kiwoom aiming to disrupt Hanwha’s winning streak while also trying to lift themselves out of the league’s basement.
In a twist of excitement, former MLB star Manny Ramirez will make a special appearance as a guest batter for the Hanwha Eagles on May 11, 2025, during their game against Kiwoom. Ramirez, who won two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox, is in Korea to promote the upcoming 'Han-Mi-Il Legends Match' scheduled for later this year. His presence adds an extra layer of intrigue to the series.
The matchup not only pits two teams with vastly different trajectories against each other but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball. Kiwoom, often dubbed the 'dark horse,' has the potential to surprise fans and analysts alike, while Hanwha seeks to solidify its position at the top of the standings.
As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on Gocheok Sky Dome, where the clash of the underdogs and the league leaders will surely provide plenty of drama. Will Hanwha extend their winning streak to ten games, or will Kiwoom pull off another stunning upset? The answer lies in the heart of the game, where anything can happen.
With the weekend series kicking off, baseball fans are in for a treat as they witness the unfolding narrative of triumph, struggle, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
