Hanwha's Autumn Returns... Daejeon Erupts in Joy After First Home Victory in 26 Years

[Financial News] The Hanwha Eagles have finally come alive. The cheers of over 13,000 fans filling Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark erupted in the bottom of the eighth inning as the team staged a dramatic comeback. On the 29th, in Game 3 of the Shinhan SOL Bank KBO Korean Series (best-of-seven), Hanwha defeated the LG Twins 7-3, narrowing the series to 1-2. This victory carries significance beyond a single game.
It was Hanwha's first Korean Series win in 19 years since Game 2 in 2006, and their first home Korean Series victory in Daejeon in 26 years, dating back to 1999. Manager Kim Kyung-moon finally escaped a ten-game Korean Series losing streak, breathing a sigh of relief. This is why many say, 'This was finally Hanwha-style baseball.'

Trailing 1-3 in the bottom of the eighth, Hanwha showed relentless determination. With Kim Tae-yeon's double and Son Ah-seop's single, they created a no-out, runners on first and third situation. Moon Hyun-bin then sparked the rally with a lucky hit. When pinch hitter Hwang Young-mook drew a bases-loaded walk to tie the game, the momentum completely shifted.
Shim Woo-jun's two-run single to left turned the tide, and Choi Jaehoon followed with another two-run hit to seal the victory. Hanwha scored six runs in the eighth inning alone. The autumn night in Daejeon was instantly painted orange.
Hanwha’s foreign ace Cody Ponce held LG’s powerful lineup to just two runs over six innings, keeping the game within reach.
Kim Seo-hyun took the mound in the eighth inning under pressure, allowing one run on a wild pitch but regaining his composure to pitch 12⁄3 scoreless innings and earn the win. For Hanwha, whose bullpen had been a weakness, this was a major breakthrough.

Shim Woo-jun was undoubtedly the standout in crucial moments. His two-run game-winning hit in the eighth earned him MVP honors. Defensively, he anchored the team by smoothly handling balls from LG’s key hitters, Oh Ji-hwan and Hong Chang-ki. 'Results hadn’t followed us until now, but today, everyone was united.' His words after the game captured the spirit of Hanwha’s baseball.
Hanwha now has a golden opportunity to even the series. The score stands at 1-2, with LG still leading, but baseball is a game of momentum. With the energy of their home crowd in Daejeon, the confidence from the eighth inning, and the veteran leadership of manager Kim Kyung-moon, Hanwha is no longer a team on the defensive.
Will this spark ignite once again in Game 4 on the 30th? For Daejeon, autumn is just beginning.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter