[MyDaily = Daegu reporter Kim Kyunghyun] \"We have to give our fans a postseason celebration.\"
Hanwha Eagles manager Kim Kyung-moon spoke earnestly to the club’s supporters.
Hanwha stumbled out of the gate this season as its bullpen fell apart. Last season’s closer, Kim Seo-hyun, lost his command and was sent down to the second team. Setup man Jeong Woo-ju has also shown control issues. Effectively, Hanwha has been turning to relievers on a day-to-day basis depending on form and availability.
The starting rotation showed signs of wobbling as well. Wilkel Hernandez exited early on May 1 with elbow discomfort; the team believes it’s simple inflammation and expects him to miss only one turn. On May 2, Moon Dong-ju left early with shoulder tightness.
When the pitching faltered, the offense answered. Hanwha collected 15 hits and scored 13 runs, with every starter recording a hit — the eighth time across the league this season and the second time for Hanwha.
Three sluggers carried the offense. Lee Jin-young was 3-for-6 with a homer, two runs and four RBIs; Noh Si-hwan went 2-for-4 with a homer, two runs and three RBIs; and Heo In-seo finished 3-for-3 with a homer, one run and three RBIs.
Despite Moon Dong-ju’s sudden exit, the bullpen held firm. Moon recorded 2/3 of an inning and gave up one run before leaving. Eight relievers combined for 8 1/3 innings, allowing two runs. Kwon Min-gyu (1/3 inning, scoreless) picked up the win; Jeong Woo-ju (1 1/3 innings, one run), Lee Min-woo (1 2/3 innings, one run) and Jo Dong-wook (2/3 inning, scoreless) each recorded holds. Hanwha rolled to a 13-3 victory.
Before the game, Kim Kyung-moon had vowed the club could reach the top four. \"Even when we’re behind, Hanwha fans keep cheering,\" he said. \"We have to give them a postseason celebration.\" Despite the unexpected issues, the team snapped a three-game skid and delivered a big win for the fans.
Afterward, Kim said the early exit by the starter could have made the game difficult, but the players showed strong focus and secured the victory.
About 24,000 fans attended the game in Daegu. Even on the road, a notable wave of orange was visible in the crowd. Kim bowed to the supporters and promised the club would do its best to put on a good show.
Hanwha has penciled Wang Yen-cheng as its starter for the 3rd, while Samsung plans to counter with Ariel Jurado. Rain is in the forecast, so the game’s status could change.
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