'First in Career' Noh Si-hwan Hits 4 Consecutive Home Runs → Ace Wang Yencheng Returns, Hanwha's 'Pitching-Hitting Balance' Revived... 9-2 Rout Over SSG [Incheon On-the-Ground Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

The Hanwha Eagles secured a satisfying victory by finally showcasing a perfect pitching-hitting balance. Power hitter Noh Si-hwan hit home runs in four consecutive games, while Taiwan's ace Wang Yencheng delivered an overwhelming pitching performance, leading the team to victory.

Hanwha defeated SSG Landers 9-2 in a road game against SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 26th in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League.

With a record of 35 wins, 37 losses, and 2 ties, Hanwha maintained a one-game lead over fifth-place Doosan Bears. Meanwhile, SSG, now on a two-game losing streak, sat in ninth place with a record of 30 wins, 43 losses, and 2 ties.

Hanwha lined up its batting order as follows: Lee Jin-young (left fielder), Yonatan Peraza (right fielder), Moon Hyun-bin (center fielder), Kang Baek-ho (designated hitter), Noh Si-hwan (third baseman), Heo In-seo (catcher), Lee Do-yoon (second baseman), Kim Tae-yeon (first baseman), and Sim Woo-jun (shortstop). Wang Yencheng was the starting pitcher.

SSG countered with the lineup: Jeong Jun-jae (second baseman), Park Sung-han (shortstop), Choi Jeong (designated hitter), Guillermo Heredia (left fielder), Oh Tae-gon (first baseman), Kim Sung-wook (right fielder), Go Myeong-jun (third baseman), Choi Ji-hoon (center fielder), and Jo Hyung-woo (catcher). Hatch was the starting pitcher for SSG.

The game remained tight until the middle innings. Both starting pitchers delivered strong performances, keeping the score at 0-0 through the third inning. Hatch allowed only one hit through three innings, while Wang Yencheng, though allowing baserunners in every inning, maintained a scoreless performance without wavering.

The 0-0 tie was broken in the top of the 4th. Leadoff batter Peraza reached base on a hit-by-pitch, followed by a ground ball from Moon Hyun-bin that deflected off the pitcher for a hit. Peraza advanced to third base. Kang Baek-ho then hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring one run. Moon Hyun-bin stole second base, and Heo In-seo followed with a two-run single to left field, extending the lead to 2-0.

In the bottom of the 5th, SSG loaded the bases with no outs after Kim Sung-wook hit a double and a throwing error by Hanwha's left fielder. Go Myeong-jun then hit a sacrifice fly to right field, cutting the deficit to 1-2.

However, Hanwha did not allow SSG to close the gap. In the bottom of the 6th, Peraza hit a double, but Moon Hyun-bin was thrown out at third base on a sacrifice bunt, and Kang Baek-ho struck out. Noh Si-hwan then crushed Hatch's 149 km/h fastball on a full count, launching a 125-meter two-run home run to make it 4-1. This marked his first career four consecutive home runs and his 14th of the season, boosting his momentum.

Although Hatch gave up a two-run home run in the 6th and allowed four runs before being pulled, Wang Yencheng held the line without allowing a run until two outs in the 6th. He recorded 5 2/3 innings with one earned run before handing the ball to Park Sang-won.

Kim Sung-wook hit a solo home run off Park Sang-won in the bottom of the 7th, but Hanwha broke open the game in the top of the 8th, crushing SSG's comeback hopes. Starting with a walk by Peraza, followed by hits from Moon Hyun-bin and Kang Baek-ho, Hanwha scored one run. Heo In-seo added an RBI single, and Lee Do-yoon hit a sacrifice fly to center field for another run.

Seo Jin-yong, who was promoted to the first team for the first time this season, made his appearance in the bottom of the 8th, but Kim Tae-yeon crushed his 143 km/h fastball over the left-field wall. It was his fifth home run of the season, bringing the score to 9-0.

Wang Yencheng, who threw 93 pitches over 5 2/3 innings, allowed six hits, one walk, struck out five, and gave up one run. He earned his sixth win (3 losses) of the season, his first since the 22nd of last month. In contrast, Hatch, who pitched six innings, allowed six hits (including one home run), one walk, struck out four, and gave up four runs, taking his first loss after a win.

In the lineup, Noh Si-hwan, who hit the decisive two-run home run, stood out, along with Heo In-seo, who recorded three hits and two RBIs, and Kang Baek-ho and Kim Tae-yeon, each with two RBIs. For SSG, Kim Sung-wook hit three hits including a home run, but his performance was overshadowed by the team's loss.

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

*This content was translated by AI.