Of course, the team went through ups and downs throughout the five-game losing streak, but the two were different. And the two of them, who persevered in their roles, eventually saved the team from a losing streak.
In the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League home game against the Doosan Bears held at Hanwha Life Insurance Eagles Park in Daejeon on the 12th, Hanwha won 6-6 amid strong performances by starting pitcher Moon Dong-ju (20) with 1 run in 6 innings and Noh Si-hwan (23) with 4 RBIs including a preemptive two-run home run. won by 1
Hanwha, who escaped from 5 consecutive losses, is still in 8th place, but narrowed the gap with 5th place Doosan to 8 games, confirming that the embers of entering the fall baseball are still alive.
Confident topper Moon Dong-ju, leading the Rookie of the Year race
During the losing streak, even the trusted foreign pitchers collapsed, but Moon Dong-ju did his job. However, even though he endured more than 5 innings in 3 consecutive games, victory did not follow. On this day, he took the lead in escaping the team’s losing streak with a quality start (6 or more starting innings, 3 earned runs or less).
Moon Dong-joo, who met Kwak Bin once again following the first day, said, “I saw (Kwak) Bin and I thought it would not be easy because it was a face-to-face confrontation, but I threw it hard with the thought that I had to fight as much as possible.” I think I got into (the match).
He said in an article that Kwak Bin, who had previously faced off once, evaluated that Moon Dong-ju was a better pitcher than himself. He said, “I don’t agree at all. He said, “I felt like I was pitching that used the strike zone well, but also used well outside the zone, but I didn’t feel that way. Today, that part seems to have worked well too.”
Moon Dong-ju is interviewed with a flower he received from a young fan after the match. /Photo = Reporter Ahn Ho-geun
In last year’s draft, he wore a Hanwha uniform in the first round, but suffered ups and downs due to injuries and sluggishness. He only digested 28⅔ innings, which was also the reason he was eligible for the rookie award until this season.
He has definitely changed this year. In his 20 games, he went 7-7 with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.28, playing the role of a native ace. Moon Dong-joo said, “Speed is not the most important thing, so how to fight the batter seems to be the most important thing.” “I don’t think there has been a huge change (compared to last year). I think I have a little bit of an eye to read the situation in the match with the batter.”
Moon Dong-ju, who has been active as a starter in his second year of debut and has broken through 100 innings (104⅓ innings), said, “I just found out. I feel really good.” said.
He is evaluated as the number one rookie of the year. Noh Si-hwan also said, “I hope Dong-joo will receive the rookie award, and I think Dong-ju will receive it. He is doing very well.” I think I have to make the situation well so that I can do it. I think I have to block it with the minimum score, so I throw it with more concentration, “he showed a mature and humble attitude.
Roh Si-hwan and fans cheering after hitting a home run and circling the base. /Photo = Hanwha Eagles
From home run king to MVP candidate, Roh Si-hwan looking beyond Kim Tae-gyun
Roh Si-hwan, who posted a batting average of 0.298 and 14 RBIs along with 6 homers in July alone, was selected as the KBO Monthly Most Valuable Player (MVP). It’s even scarier in August. He hit six home runs and had 13 RBIs, even though he hadn’t even hit the half point yet. He left just three to 30 home runs. With 1st place in the home run race, the gap with 2nd place Choi Jeong (SSG, 21) widened to 6.
Regarding the MVP award in July, Noh Si-hwan said, “It was a good motivation. In July, I didn’t think I had such an impact. There were many players who were better than me, but I was very grateful to be selected thanks to the many votes from the fans. He said, “That’s why I wanted to do better. I seem to be able to keep up the good flow by preparing for the game with great diligence to live up to expectations.”
He is drawing a career high in his 5th year as a pro. He has already surpassed his personal record of 18 home runs, and is now on the verge of reaching 30 home runs. “At first, I wasn’t greedy at all. But as I hit, I’m getting close to hitting 30 homers, and I’m also greedy,” Noh Si-hwan said. I want to do what I am doing right now without thinking about it.”
While coach Choi Won-ho praised Noh Si-hwan for his performance this season, he said, “To become a top-class hitter in the league, he needs to show this kind of image for several more seasons.” Noh Si-hwan said, “I think taking care of your body is the most important thing. There are many players who do well for a year, but it seems very difficult to maintain it.” I think I’m the best player. I’m having the best season in my career this year, but there will be next year and the year after that, so I think I need to be a steady player by taking good care of my body and these things until the end of my baseball life.”안전놀이터
The record for the most home runs (31) of Kim Tae-kyun, who has been cherished as a role model for a long time, is just around the corner. Noh Si-hwan said, “I never thought of surpassing the senior’s record. He is a senior who was at the top. Of course, I want to follow him step by step and surpass him.” I think he will come. I contact him often, and he always says, ‘You will do better than me.’ It’s still a long way off.”
Furthermore, it is a pace that can aim for the MVP of the season. Moon Dong-ju also predicted, “Sihwan hyung should and will receive the MVP.” Noh Si-hwan said, “Honestly, I don’t even think about it. Of course, I have a dream like that, but I’m more focused on winning every game.” I will do it,” he said cautiously.
Both the Rookie of the Year Award and MVP have been cut off since Ryu Hyun-jin in 2006. Fans are full just by imagining a picture where Moon Dong-ju and Roh Si-hwan win the rookie award and MVP at the same time.