The season's first earned run for Hanwha Eagles closer Kim Seo-hyun (21) resulted in a loss. Although the 'Mr. Zero' streak was broken, Hanwha manager Kim Kyung-moon offered support to Kim Seo-hyun.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon addressed Kim Seo-hyun's first earned run in an interview before the match against KT in Daejeon on the 26th, saying, "It was something that had to happen eventually. He's not a god. On the one hand, I think it's good to consider that we lost in a tied game rather than being ahead and then losing. I believe this is also acceptable," and he received the disappointing situation positively.

Kim Seo-hyun suffered a loss along with his first earned run of the season in the previous day's match (25th) against KT. Coming into the game with a 1-1 tie, Kim Seo-hyun issued walks to Yoo Jun-kyu and Kwon Dong-jin, and in a subsequent situation with one out and runners on first and second, he gave up a go-ahead hit to Mel Rojas Jr. This was the moment his streak of 11⅔ scoreless innings over 13 games since the start of the season was broken. With Hanwha losing 1-2, Kim Seo-hyun became the losing pitcher.

Although the loss was disappointing, it was not a blown save as it came in a tied situation. The result was unfortunate, but it was less damaging than losing a lead. Manager Kim Kyung-moon thinks it's better to view it this way, even with the same earned runs.

A closer cannot always be perfect throughout a long season. Even top-notch closers typically record 3 to 5 blown saves in a season. Although it wasn't a blown save due to the tied situation, it was a failure that would eventually occur for Kim Seo-hyun, and he can use this as a valuable experience to grow.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon also noted that, "Even the best closers experience blown saves. What’s important is to perform well after it, maintaining a more relaxed mindset as they normally would," and he added, "I haven't said anything specific to Seo-hyun. If teammates keep worrying and asking him multiple times, the player may become sensitive. Seo-hyun is young and needs more experience as a pitcher."

Despite falling into a two-game losing streak after an eight-game winning streak, it was a game of value for Hanwha. The rebound of starting pitcher Um Sang-baek was particularly encouraging. He threw 6 innings, allowing 4 hits, 2 walks, and 1 hit by pitch, while striking out 6 batters and allowing only 1 earned run against his former team KT, achieving his first quality start of the season. Manager Kim also expressed his approval, saying, "It's a shame not to win after pitching that well, but I think positively about him fulfilling his role."

Meanwhile, Hanwha announced its lineup against KT's sidearm starter Koh Young-pyo on the 26th as follows: An Chi-hong (designated hitter), Estevan Florial (center fielder), Moon Hyun-bin (left fielder), Noh Si-hwan (third baseman), Chae Eun-seong (first baseman), Kim Tae-yeon (right fielder), Lee Do-yoon (second baseman), Choi Jae-hoon (catcher), and Shim Woo-jun (shortstop). The starting pitcher will be Moon Dong-joo.

An Chi-hong, who had been struggling with wrist issues, made his starting return as the designated hitter, while Moon Hyun-bin will make his debut as the starting left fielder. He had only played one inning in a game previously. Manager Kim stated, "The opposing starter Koh Young-pyo is a good pitcher, and we need to fight well. Our players are focusing well right now," and added, "Since Koh Young-pyo is a veteran, I put Chi-hong in as designated hitter. Today, Hyun-bin will make his debut in left field for the first time."

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