"I Apologized to the Fans" 68-Year-Old Veteran Bows His Head Despite Breaking the Six-Game Losing Streak: "Ryu Hyun-jin Played a Big Role... We Could Have Won Six in a Row" [Busan Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Hanwha Eagles manager Kim Kyung-mun (68) bowed his head to fans once again despite breaking the losing streak.

Manager Kim Kyung-mun said ahead of the upcoming 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season road game against Lotte Giants at Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium on the 19th, ""I am not satisfied with just breaking the losing streak; we must improve further. First, we must win, and even if we lose, we should have lost with solid performance. I have apologized to the fans for not meeting those standards until now."" He added, ""I believe our relief pitchers will also deliver more substantive pitching in the future. We aim to show fans even better games.""

Hanwha broke its six-game losing streak the previous day (18th) with a 5-0 victory over Lotte, thanks to Ryu Hyun-jin's seven-inning scoreless performance with no walks or hits. Moreover, the lineup's aggressive hitting, which generated 12 hits in total, and their focused play from the first to the ninth inning, including a diving play at third base, were encouraging signs.

Manager Kim Kyung-mun expressed gratitude to everyone, stating, ""A losing streak is stressful for players, the manager, and the staff. However, our senior player played a big role yesterday (18th). All players showed focus from the start. Their collective desire to end the losing streak allowed us to break the six-game streak.""

Starting pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin and temporary closer Jack Cushing, who delivered clean pitching at the beginning and end, set a direction for Hanwha's young pitchers. Manager Kim Kyung-mun explained, ""I never hesitated to bring in Ryu Hyun-jin in the eighth inning. Even if he had pitched in the bottom of the sixth, I would have been grateful. However, since yesterday's win was not the only goal and the season matters more, I decided against it."" He continued, ""Cushing also threw strikes. When you throw strikes, batters either hit or the outcome becomes clear. Nowadays, even if a team seems to have a five-run lead, it can be overturned quickly, so I brought him in. Jo Dong-wook has also been performing his role very well every time he appears.""

On this day, Hanwha lined up with Lee Won-seok (center field), Yonatan Ferrara (right field), Moon Hyun-bin (left field), Kang Baek-ho (designated hitter), Chae Eun-seong (first base), Lee Do-yoon (second base), Kim Tae-yeon (third base), Choi Jae-hoon (catcher), and Sim Woo-jun (shortstop). The starting pitcher was Will Hernandez.

Lotte countered with a lineup consisting of Hwang Sung-bin (center field), Noh Jin-hyeok (first base), Victor Reyes (left field), Han Dong-hee (third base), Jeon Jun-woo (designated hitter), Son Ho-young (second base), Lee Ho-jun (shortstop), Son Sung-bin (catcher), and Jang Du-seong (center field). The starting pitcher was Park Se-woong.

Manager Kim Kyung-mun stated, ""Even if the starting pitcher is not performing well, they must pitch at least five innings. In the past, we might have waited until four runs were allowed, but today, I think we need to monitor the performance up to three runs and consult with the pitching coach before making a decision. Still, I believe Hernandez will pitch until the fifth inning.""

He added, ""When results are poor, it is difficult if you do not smile and maintain a positive mindset. The road ahead is long. Although we lost six games in a row, we can also win six in a row."" He concluded with confidence, ""White is already doing catch practice, and Cushing is fulfilling his closer role well. When No Si-hwan returns after the game next Monday (21st), we will become an even stronger team.""

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*This content was translated by AI.