KT Wiz Vs Hanwha Eagles: Season Opener Ends Dramatically

The 2025 KBO season kicked off in dramatic fashion at Suwon's KT Wiz Park on March 22, 2025, as the home team, KT Wiz, faced off against Hanwha Eagles in front of a sold-out crowd. All 18,700 seats were filled by 1 PM, showcasing the immense anticipation fans had for the new season.

The atmosphere was electric as both teams took to the field. KT Wiz's new foreign pitcher, Emmanuel De Jesus, delivered a remarkable performance, throwing six innings while allowing just one run. De Jesus faced the Hanwha batters with confidence, firing fastballs that reached speeds of up to 153 km/h. Throughout the game, he pitched strategically, allowing only two hits and two walks over 94 pitches. His only blemish of the day came in the third inning when he surrendered one run to Hanwha's Kim Tae-yeon after walking a batter.

De Jesus had joined KT after a successful season with the Kiwoom Heroes where he recorded 13 wins and 11 losses, boasting an ERA of 3.68. This season was pivotal for De Jesus, as he was entrusted with the starting role in the opening game of the 2025 season. KT manager Lee Kang-chul expressed faith in his new quarterback, indicating that De Jesus was prepared for the challenge after impressive displays in spring training.

For Hanwha Eagles, the starting pitcher was Cody Ponce, another new face who had piqued attention thanks to a flawless spring training showing. Ponce had pitched nine scoreless innings with ten strikeouts in exhibition games, raising the bar for the big clash. He threw 87 pitches over five innings, allowing two earned runs and seven hits. Although both starters had their moments of brilliance, it was the KT lineup that struck early.

KT struck first in the game, taking an early lead in the second inning with two runs. The breakout came when Kang Baek-ho, the designated hitter, got the offense going with a double. Following this, Kim Min-hyeok's timely hit brought home the first run, while KT continued to build momentum.

In response, Hanwha struggled to keep pace. They managed to tie the game with a critical play by Shim Woo-jun, who made headlines as he made his mark after transferring from KT as a free agent in the offseason. In the seventh inning, with two outs and two runners on base, Shim launched a two-run double that shifted the momentum of the game towards Hanwha, tying the score at 2-2 and igniting an enthusiastic reaction from the fans present.

The sold-out game wasn't just about the action on the field; it also featured an impressive pre-game spectacle. One hour before the first pitch, a dazzling drone light show featuring 350 drones dazzled the audience as they celebrated KT's commitment to enhancing the fan experience. As part of their efforts, KT had also revamped their park, replacing old audio systems and expanding their cheering sections to accommodate the growing fan base.

Ultimately, the game turned in favor of Hanwha, who took the lead in the seventh inning after Shim's impactful appearance. Ponce's relief appearance bolstered the Eagles as they edged out TWiz 3-2, marking an exciting season opener and solidifying the rivalry between these two teams, especially after both clubs made significant offseason changes in their player rosters.

The mood in the stands reflected the high stakes of opening day in the KBO League as the teams kicking off their seasons at full throttle signified the return of baseball season.

Despite the loss, KT displayed flashes of brilliance and resilience, signaling that they would be a serious contender in the coming games. With fans already buzzing about the spectacular entertainment and competitive spirit exhibited on the field, anticipation can only build for the remaining KBO season.