Hanwha has been at the top of its initial rankings, beating teams that were considered “candidates” before the season. It lost only at the LG Twins match on April 23, the opening game of the regular season, but has been on a seven-game winning streak since then.

Although it has not played 10 games yet, Hanwha’s extraordinary start is meaningful. It is the first time in 32 years that Hanwha has won seven games in eight games since 1992.

The head coach also seems surprised. “I expected him to do well, but I didn’t think about it this much,” Hanwha manager Choi Won-ho said honestly.

Hanwha was more familiar with losing than winning. It was only in 2018 that Hanwha played in fall baseball in the last 16 seasons. During this period, the team recorded the lowest score of eight times. In 2022, the team had a hard start to the season with six consecutive losses.

This year is different. What ignited the rapid change in Hanwha is ‘Ace’ Ryu Hyun-jin. Hanwha, which bought free agents such as Chae Eun-sung and Ahn Chi-hong ahead of last season and attracted veteran players such as Kim Kang-min and Lee Jae-won before this season, completed remarkable strengthening of its power with the addition of ‘Big Leaguer’ Ryu Hyun-jin in February. This soon gave the team enormous confidence.

Choi said, “Players often evaluate each other by comparing their performance with the other team. There are times when I think it will not be easy, and times when I think it will be okay this year. Now, I think our players have increased their expectations by comparing them with each other.”

Hanwha, which has been at the bottom of the standings for a long time, has been working on rebuilding for the past two or three seasons. Young players who have accumulated skills by receiving opportunities and experienced veterans are joining forces.

Pitcher Joo Sang-sang said, “Many older players came. Older players tell good stories to younger players, and younger players follow suit. With the teamwork of younger players and older players, I think there is a better synergy in the game,” introducing the team’s changed atmosphere.

Players who faithfully fulfill their roles were also gathered to continue Hanwha’s changed sensation.

Jonathan Peraza, a new foreign hitter, has been hitting hard day after day. He had a batting average of 0.517 (15 hits from 29 times at bat) and four homers and seven RBIs in eight games. “Peraza led the batters even when the batters’ pace did not improve in the beginning,” Choi said in complimenting.

While his team has won seven consecutive games, relief pitchers such as Joo Hyun-sang, who played in five games without allowing a single run in six ⅓, are also gaining strength. Hwang Joon-seo, a high school graduate, showed off three hits (one homer) and five strikeouts and one run in five innings at a game against the KT Wiz on Monday, when he made his professional debut, giving his team a fresh air.

“The atmosphere is so nice,” pitcher Moon Dong-ju said with a smile. “I feel like I will not lose the game even when I play.” “Even if a pitcher gives a score, the batter draws a score so that they can play baseball comfortably with each other. I think we have a better chemistry because the team is in a good mood,” he said with confidence.

BY: 안전 토토사이트