The KIA Tigers and Hanwha Eagles rivalry in South Korea’s KBO League is a cornerstone of professional baseball, blending fierce competition with unforgettable moments.At Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon, the Eagles delivered a commanding 8-0 shutout over the Tigers, showcasing their pitching prowess and offensive depth. This game was a pivotal moment in the 2024 season, with the Tigers chasing a postseason berth and the Eagles fighting to climb the standings. In this article, we dive deep into the player stats from this matchup, highlighting top performers, key plays, and what the numbers reveal about this storied rivalry. Whether you’re a Tigers fan, an Eagles supporter, or a KBO enthusiast, this comprehensive breakdown will bring you closer to the action.
Table of Contents
Game Overview: Eagles Soar in a Shutout
The clash saw the Hanwha Eagles (6th place, 66-74-2) host the KIA Tigers (1st place, 87-54-3), who had already clinched the regular-season pennant. Despite the Tigers’ dominance throughout the season, the Eagles rose to the occasion, leveraging a stellar pitching performance and timely hitting to secure an 8-0 victory. The game, attended by 11,756 fans, underscored Hanwha’s potential to upset even the league’s best, while KIA’s lack of offensive spark highlighted areas for postseason refinement. Let’s break down the player stats that shaped this one-sided affair.
Hanwha Eagles: Key Player Stats
Offense: Balanced and Opportunistic
Noh Si-hwan (Third Baseman)
- Hits: 2/4
- RBI: 2
- Runs: 1
- Home Runs: 0
Noh Si-hwan was a catalyst for Hanwha’s offense, driving in two runs with a double in the third inning that scored Choi Jae-hoon and Lee Jin-young. His ability to deliver in clutch situations set the tone for the Eagles’ breakout fifth inning, where they plated five runs to blow the game open.
Choi In-ho (Outfielder)
- Hits: 2/4
- RBI: 2
- Runs: 2
- Home Runs: 1
Choi In-ho’s fifth-inning solo home run off KIA reliever Kwak Do-gyu extended Hanwha’s lead to 4-0, igniting the crowd. His second RBI came later in the inning on a single that scored Lee Jin-young, showcasing his speed and bat control.
Lee Jin-young (Outfielder)
- Hits: 2/3
- Runs: 2
- RBI: 1
- Stolen Bases: 1
Lee’s speed and hustle were on full display. He scored on Noh’s double in the third, stole a base in the fifth, and drove in a run with a single that capped Hanwha’s five-run outburst. His .667 batting performance was a sparkplug for the lineup.
Ahn Chi-hong (Second Baseman)
- Hits: 1/4
- RBI: 1
- Runs: 1
Ahn, a former KIA star, haunted his old team with a fifth-inning single that drove in Choi In-ho, pushing the lead to 6-0. His veteran presence steadied Hanwha’s offense against KIA’s bullpen.
Team Offensive Stats
- Hits: 10/33
- RBI: 8
- Runs: 8
- Batting Average: .303
- Home Runs: 1
Hanwha’s offense was relentless, capitalizing on KIA’s pitching struggles. Their 10 hits, including three doubles and a homer, reflected a balanced attack that exploited gaps in the Tigers’ defense. The fifth inning alone saw six batters reach base, with five crossing the plate.
Pitching: A Masterclass Shutout
Ryu Hyun-jin (Starting Pitcher)
- Innings Pitched: 6.0
- Hits Allowed: 3
- Earned Runs: 0
- Strikeouts: 7
- Walks: 1
Ryu Hyun-jin, the former MLB star, delivered a vintage performance, stifling KIA’s potent lineup. His mix of fastballs and changeups generated seven strikeouts, including back-to-back K’s of Choi Won-jun and Park Chan-ho in the fourth. Allowing just three singles, Ryu’s command ensured Hanwha’s lead was never threatened.
Park Sang-won (Reliever)
- Innings Pitched: 1.0
- Hits Allowed: 0
- Earned Runs: 0
- Strikeouts: 1
Park’s clean seventh inning preserved the shutout, retiring KIA’s heart of the order with ease.
Jang Si-hwan (Reliever)
- Innings Pitched: 2.0
- Hits Allowed: 1
- Earned Runs: 0
- Strikeouts: 2
Jang closed out the game, allowing a lone single while striking out two. His efficiency sealed Hanwha’s first shutout against KIA since 2022.
Team Pitching Stats
- ERA: 0.00
- Strikeouts: 10
- Walks: 2
- Hits Allowed: 4
Hanwha’s pitchers dominated, holding KIA to a .125 batting average (4/32). Their 10 strikeouts and tight control (two walks) neutralized the Tigers’ league-leading offense, which averaged 5.8 runs per game in 2024.
KIA Tigers: Key Player Stats
Offense: Stifled and Silent
Choi Won-jun (Outfielder)
- Hits: 1/4
- Runs: 0
- Strikeouts: 2
Choi’s third-inning single was one of KIA’s few highlights, but he was stranded at second after Ryu struck out Na Sung-bum. His two strikeouts underscored Hanwha’s pitching dominance.
Park Chan-ho (Shortstop)
- Hits: 1/4
- Runs: 0
- Strikeouts: 1
Park’s sixth-inning single offered a glimmer of hope, but he was erased on a double play. His .250 performance was among KIA’s best, a low bar in a shutout.
Na Sung-bum (Outfielder)
- Hits: 0/3
- Walks: 1
- Strikeouts: 2
Na, KIA’s cleanup hitter, was held hitless, striking out twice against Ryu. His fourth-inning walk was squandered, reflecting KIA’s inability to string rallies.
Kim Do-young (Third Baseman)
- Hits: 1/4
- Runs: 0
- Strikeouts: 1
Kim’s eighth-inning single off Jang Si-hwan was too little, too late. The KBO’s 2024 MVP candidate couldn’t spark a comeback against Hanwha’s bullpen.
Team Offensive Stats
- Hits: 4/32
- Batting Average: .125
- RBI: 0
- Runners Left on Base: 5
KIA’s offense, which led the KBO with a .285 team batting average, was silenced. Their four hits—all singles—never translated into threats, and zero extra-base hits highlighted Hanwha’s defensive efficiency.
Pitching: Unraveled in the Fifth
Yang Hyeon-jong (Starting Pitcher)
- Innings Pitched: 4.0
- Hits Allowed: 5
- Earned Runs: 3
- Strikeouts: 3
- Walks: 1
Yang, KIA’s ace, held Hanwha to two runs through four innings but faltered in the fifth, allowing a single and a walk before exiting. His 4.50 ERA for the game reflected Hanwha’s aggressive approach.
Kwak Do-gyu (Reliever)
- Innings Pitched: 0.2
- Hits Allowed: 3
- Earned Runs: 4
- Home Runs Allowed: 1
Kwak’s fifth-inning meltdown was the game’s turning point. Choi In-ho’s homer and subsequent hits by Lee Jin-young and Ahn Chi-hong ballooned Hanwha’s lead to 7-0, ending KIA’s hopes.
Jang Hyun-sik (Reliever)
- Innings Pitched: 1.1
- Hits Allowed: 2
- Earned Runs: 1
- Strikeouts: 1
Jang allowed an RBI single to Choi Jae-hoon in the fifth, finalizing Hanwha’s eight-run output. His damage control prevented further bleeding but couldn’t undo the deficit.
Team Pitching Stats
- ERA: 9.00
- Hits Allowed: 10
- Strikeouts: 5
- Walks: 3
KIA’s pitchers struggled, particularly in the fifth, where seven batters reached base. Allowing 10 hits and one homer underscored their inability to contain Hanwha’s lineup.
Game-Changing Moments
- Noh’s Double: Noh Si-hwan’s third-inning double scored two, giving Hanwha a 2-0 lead and early momentum.
- Ryu’s Dominance: Ryu Hyun-jin’s seven strikeouts through six innings kept KIA’s bats quiet, preserving Hanwha’s shutout.
- Fifth-Inning Explosion: Hanwha’s five-run fifth, sparked by Choi In-ho’s homer and capped by Lee Jin-young’s RBI single, turned a close game into a rout.
- KIA’s Missed Chances: KIA stranded runners in the third and sixth, failing to capitalize on their four hits.
- Bullpen Shutdown: Hanwha’s relievers, Park and Jang, allowed one hit over three innings, ensuring the 8-0 final.
Historical Context: A Storied Rivalry
The KIA Tigers and Hanwha Eagles have faced off 226 times since 2012, with KIA leading 134-84-8. The Tigers’ dominance includes 12 Korean Series titles, while Hanwha’s lone championship came in 1999. Recent years have seen closer battles, with Hanwha winning 4 of their last 10 matchups before September 27, 2024. This shutout was Hanwha’s most lopsided win over KIA since 2021, signaling their potential to challenge the Tigers in 2025.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Hanwha Eagles | KIA Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Runs | 8 | 0 |
| Hits | 10 | 4 |
| Batting Average | .303 | .125 |
| Home Runs | 1 | 0 |
| RBI | 8 | 0 |
| Strikeouts (Pitching) | 10 | 5 |
| ERA | 0.00 | 9.00 |
Hanwha’s superior hitting and pitching overwhelmed KIA, with a 10-4 hit advantage and a perfect ERA reflecting their control.
Why This Game Matters
For Hanwha, the shutout was a morale boost, proving they could topple the KBO’s best behind Ryu Hyun-jin’s arm and a balanced lineup. For KIA, the loss exposed vulnerabilities in their bullpen and offense, critical areas to address before the 2024 Korean Series, which they won 4-1 over Samsung. Players like Noh Si-hwan and Choi In-ho emerged as difference-makers, while KIA’s stars faltered under pressure.
Tips for Fans: Stay in the Game
- Watch Live: Catch KBO games on SPOTV or stream via SOOP globally (free outside South Korea).
- Track Stats: Use MyKBOStats.com, Sofascore, or Flashscore for real-time player and team data.
- Engage Online: Join discussions on social media with #KBO or #TigersvsEagles.
- Attend Games: Visit Gwangju-KIA Champions Field or Hanwha Life Eagles Park—check KBO.or.kr for tickets.
- Follow Rosters: Stay updated on lineups via kiatigers.co.kr or hanwhaeagles.co.kr.
Conclusion
The Hanwha Eagles’ 8-0 rout of the KIA Tigers on September 27, 2024, was a testament to their potential, driven by Ryu Hyun-jin’s masterful pitching, Noh Si-hwan’s clutch hitting, and Choi In-ho’s power. KIA’s offense, led by stars like Kim Do-young and Na Sung-bum, couldn’t crack Hanwha’s staff, while their bullpen collapsed in the fifth. The stats—10 hits for Hanwha, four for KIA, and a 0.00 ERA for the Eagles—paint a picture of dominance in a rivalry where KIA typically holds the edge. This game sets the stage for an exciting 2025 season, where Hanwha aims to build on this momentum and KIA seeks redemption. For fans, it’s a reminder of why the Tigers-Eagles clash remains a KBO highlight, blending tradition with thrilling performances.
FAQS
Who was the top hitter for the Hanwha Eagles in their game against the KIA Tigers?
Noh Si-hwan led the Eagles, going 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored, including a key double in the third inning.
How did KIA’s Kim Do-young perform in the September 27, 2024, matchup?
Kim Do-young went 1-for-4 with a single in the eighth inning but had no runs or RBIs, striking out once.
What were Ryu Hyun-jin’s pitching stats for Hanwha against KIA?
Ryu Hyun-jin threw 6 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits, striking out 7, and walking 1 for the Eagles.
Did any KIA Tigers player drive in runs during the game?
No, the Tigers were shut out, managing only 4 hits and no RBIs in the 8-0 loss to Hanwha.
How did Choi In-ho contribute offensively for Hanwha?
Choi In-ho went 2-for-4, hitting a solo home run, scoring 2 runs, and driving in 2 RBIs, including a fifth-inning homer.
