'2 wins, 14 losses' — Hanwha had Kiwoom trembling, but Kiwoom secured their first sweep in 798 days... Bullpen saw highs and lows [Gocheok]

*This content was translated by AI.

Last year, Kiwoom Heroes, who were smaller whenever they faced Hanwha Eagles with a record of 2 wins and 14 losses, showed a different form this year, even achieving a series sweep for the first time in over two years.

Kiwoom defeated Hanwha 3-2 in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul, starting at 2 p.m. on the 14th.

With a record of 26 wins, 40 losses, and 1 tie, Kiwoom erased the gap with Lotte Giants and moved up to ninth place. If Lotte fails to win today, Kiwoom can maintain its ninth-place position.

Furthermore, Kiwoom achieved a sweep against Hanwha for the first time in 2 years and 2 months, precisely 798 days, since their last sweep against Hanwha at Gocheok from April 5 to 7, 2024. Last year, Kiwoom was at a disadvantage against Hanwha with 2 wins and 14 losses, but with this victory, they evened their season head-to-head record at 4 wins and 4 losses, completely erasing the nightmare against Hanwha.

The biggest difference was the bullpen. All three games were decided by a margin of three runs or less. In the first game of the series on the 12th, Kiwoom trailed 1-3 until the top of the 9th but managed to secure a walk-off victory by attacking Hanwha closer Lee Min-woo. After starting pitcher An Woo-jin (6 innings, 2 earned runs) was relieved, the bullpen held Hanwha to one run over 3 innings, laying the foundation for the win.

In the game on the 13th, after a strong performance by Raul Alcantara (7 innings, 1 earned run), Park Jeong-hoon held the line for 1⅔ innings, and closer Yuto Kanakubo entered with two outs and a runner on first base to record a ⅓-inning save. With 10 saves, Yuto achieved double-digit saves as a foreign pitcher for the first time in 12 years since Hiroyo Ascencio (KIA) in 2014.

The Kiwoom bullpen shone again today. Kenny Rosenberg gave up two runs in 5 innings and was relieved, but Park Ji-sung, who entered in the 6th inning, held the line for 2 scoreless innings, and Won Jong-hyun also held the line without allowing a run in the 8th. In the bottom of the 8th, Kiwoom took the lead with a sacrifice fly by Won Seong-jun.

Yuto, who entered in the 9th, allowed a double to leadoff hitter Hwang Young-mok. Lee Won-seok's bunt resulted in a foul ball that went over first baseman Choi Ju-hwan's glove, putting Kiwoom in a no-out, runners on first and third situation. However, Yuto struck out Kim Tae-yeon with a powerful fastball, forced Moon Hyun-bin into a catcher's foul fly, and recorded a strikeout against Yoo Min, completing a perfect save and securing the team's three-game winning streak.

Although Kiwoom's bullpen ERA for the season stands at 5.50, ranking last, it has rebounded to 4.38 since June, and they demonstrated this strength in this series. During the three-game series, the bullpen allowed only one run over 9 innings, showcasing stingy pitching.

In contrast, Hanwha, whose bullpen ERA for the season is 5.39 and ranks eighth, has improved to 3.24 since June, rising to third overall and showing increased strength. However, in this three-game series, they allowed four runs (three earned runs) over 7⅓ innings, suffering a painful result.

Manager Seol Jong-jin applauded the pitching staff after the game. "Park Ji-sung, who entered as the second pitcher in a tied situation, pitched scoreless innings and did a great job over two innings," he said. "Won Jong-hyun and Yuto followed, navigating crises well and finishing the game without allowing a run."

He did not forget to praise the batting lineup. "With the opportunity created by Eo Jun-seo's sacrifice bunt in the 8th, Won Seong-jun, who hit the go-ahead home run in yesterday's game, hit the go-ahead home run again today, leading the team to victory."

Regarding the fans who provided enthusiastic support, including three consecutive sellouts, he said, "Thanks to the passionate support of our fans, we were able to win all weekend series games. Thank you. We will rest well tomorrow and prepare well for next week's games."

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*This content was translated by AI.