Hanwha Eagles Manager Kim Kyung-moon expected a big hit from Lee Jin-young and Esteban Florial.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon, in an interview before the game against SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 15th, said, "It is chilly even though it's mid-April," expressing concern about players' injuries.

Kim Kyung-moon, who came to Incheon after playing in cold weather with rain throughout the weekend series, said, "In fact, this is the point when players are most likely to get injured. We got a lot of rain, and the next day it snowed, making it chilly. Luckily, the players did not catch a bad cold or flu. Other teams are playing in the same conditions, so we also need to endure well."

Hanwha's starting lineup was composed of Lee Jin-young (right fielder), Esteban Florial (center fielder), Moon Hyun-bin (designated hitter), Noh Si-hwan (third baseman), Kim Tae-yeon (left fielder), Chae Eun-sung (first baseman), Hwang Young-mook (second baseman), Choi Jae-hoon (catcher), and Sim Woo-jun (shortstop). The starting pitcher was KODI.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon, who appointed Lee Jin-young as the leadoff hitter, explained, "Isn’t this stadium a bit small? I think Jin-young has better power, so I put him in the leadoff today. Won-seok went out and did well, so I hope Jin-young also puts in the effort and gets a good hit. The pitcher today (Drew Anderson) pitched exceptionally well in the last game, and since the weather is chilly, I don’t think there will be many runs scored. Of course, it would be great if many runs were scored, but when the opposing pitcher is good, one big hit is crucial."

Moon Hyun-bin is one of the hottest hitters in Hanwha recently. He is currently recording a batting average of .333 (17 hits in 51 at-bats), 3 home runs, 11 RBIs, 9 runs, and 2 stolen bases over 17 games, with an OPS of .978. However, he is currently serving as a designated hitter due to a lack of a definitive defensive position.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon stated about Moon Hyun-bin, "He is still practicing defense over there," smiling as he added, "When the score is quite different, I send him out to gain experience without any burden, and when he gets comfortable, I plan to have him play center field. Although it’s said that a center fielder can see the ball well, it’s not an easy spot. Various types of hits come when playing the game. With a bit more time for practice, the day will come when he takes the field as the starting center fielder. Then, depending on the opposing pitcher, we can have Florial play left field or right field."

Regarding Moon Hyun-bin's multi-position capability, Manager Kim Kyung-moon said, "Unless Noh Si-hwan suffers a significant injury, it will be tough for him to play third base. Noh Si-hwan does not like to take a break during games. The fact that he does not leave that position and continues playing is a major advantage as a core player. Therefore, while Moon Hyun-bin is capable of playing third base, it won’t be easy for him to step out there."

On Esteban Florial's recent performance, Manager Kim Kyung-moon said, "He has improved significantly compared to the beginning. He is getting hits and reaching base continuously. It must have been frustrating for him during this time. He is a friend who works exceptionally hard. Even though the opposing pitcher has come in with good momentum today, in the end, one foreign hitter has to step up."

Hanwha currently holds a record of 8 wins and 11 losses this season with a winning percentage of .421, placing them joint 7th in the league. However, they are only 3 games behind 2nd place SSG (9 wins, 6 losses, .600 winning percentage). Manager Kim Kyung-moon remarked, "We are quite far from 1st place, but the gap with 2nd place is only 3 games. The teams below us need to work harder to narrow the gap for baseball to be more exciting. Therefore, I believe the first game is extremely important," pledging for victory in that day’s game.

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