'Without a RBI champion,' No. 4 Noh Si-hwan returns with an 8th-inning tying hit and a 9th-inning go-ahead two-run homer in a 'RBI show'... "We didn't give up and stayed focused until the end" [Busan]

*This content was translated by AI.

He showed that it is possible even without a RBI champion. The Hanwha Eagles, displaying a completely changed atmosphere, secured a thrilling comeback victory.

Hanwha defeated Lotte Giants 7-2 in a comeback win at Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium on the 6th during their 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League away game, thanks to Noh Si-hwan's performance, which included a two-run single in the top of the 8th inning to tie the game and a go-ahead two-run home run in the top of the 9th.

The fifth-place Hanwha, riding a two-game winning streak, improved their record to 29 wins, 27 losses, and 1 tie, narrowing the gap with fourth-place KIA Tigers, who suffered a loss on this day, to one game.

Starting pitcher Will Hernandez threw 89 pitches over six innings, allowing six hits (one home run), one walk, and striking out two while surrendering only two earned runs, recording his second consecutive quality start (six or more innings with three or fewer earned runs), yet Hanwha trailed until the seventh inning.

They struggled to attack Lotte's temporary starter Lee Min-seok. Even after hitting six hits against Lee Min-seok with one out in the sixth inning, they failed to score a single run. They were also shut down by reliever Kim Won-jung, falling behind 0-2 through the seventh inning.

A large number of away fans filled the third-base side stands, achieving a sellout once again following the previous day. Hanwha fans began their vocal support as soon as the eighth-inning offense started, chanting "Strongest Hanwha."

Did they draw strength from that? Hanwha displayed completely different energy compared to the seventh inning. Lotte reliever Park Jeong-min faltered, issuing three consecutive walks, and Hanwha did not miss the opportunity. With one out and bases loaded in the top of the 8th, they faced Gyeongnam High School first-year student Choi Jun-yong, who had been called up to secure a five-out save, and hit a two-run single to left field to reset the score. Heo In-seo followed with a two-run double to left field, successfully taking a 4-2 lead.

Hanwha cleanly held the eighth inning, and in the ninth, they started off on a good note thanks to an opponent's error. They extended the lead with a sacrifice bunt and Yonatan Peraza's one-run double to second base, before Noh Si-hwan exploded with a 130-meter go-ahead two-run home run to the left-center field wall against Park Jun-woo, securing the victory for the team.

The starter pitched well, and this was a thrilling comeback home run achieved by not giving up and chasing until the end. It was also very welcome that Noh Si-hwan, the No. 4 hitter who returned while Kang Baek-ho was absent from the starting lineup due to hamstring discomfort, collected four RBIs and fulfilled his role.

After the game, Hanwha manager Kim Kyung-moon praised Hernandez, saying, "Hernandez fulfilled his role as a starting pitcher," and added, "The players did not give up on the game and stayed focused until the end."

He particularly gave a thumbs-up to the two batters who orchestrated the eighth-inning comeback. Manager Kim said, "In the eighth-inning offensive opportunity, Noh Si-hwan and Heo In-seo each hit two-run hits, allowing the team to take the lead and seize the momentum."

Hanwha will aim to sweep the series on the 7th. Temporary starter Hwang Jun-seo will take the mound. There is anticipation that they can build on their momentum, defeat Lotte's starter Jeremy Wisely in a head-to-head matchup, and deliver yet another piece of good news for Hanwha's starting rotation.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.