Quick Read
- Hanwha Eagles defeated LG Twins 7-3 in Game 3 of the 2025 Korean Series.
- Hanwha staged a six-run rally in the eighth inning to overturn LG’s lead.
- LG’s starting pitcher Son Joo-young allowed only one run in five innings.
- Hanwha’s bullpen and pinch hitters were crucial in the comeback.
- LG Twins still lead the series 2-1.
Hanwha Eagles Break LG Twins’ Momentum With Dramatic Rally
On October 29, 2025, the Hanwha Eagles delivered a statement victory in Game 3 of the Korean Series, stunning the LG Twins with a 7-3 win at Daejeon Hanwha Life Park. After falling behind in the series 0-2, Hanwha’s comeback not only reignited their championship hopes but also broke LG’s seemingly unstoppable momentum.
LG entered the game riding high, having clinched first place in the regular season with an imposing record of 85 wins, 3 draws, and 56 losses. Their postseason dominance was apparent, with resounding victories in the first two games of the series (8-2, 13-5). Historically, teams that win the first two Korean Series games have a 90.5% chance of capturing the title (MK Sports).
Pitching Duel Sets the Stage
The anticipation for Game 3 centered on the pitching matchup. LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop placed his trust in Son Joo-young, a left-hander enjoying his best season to date. Son, who was drafted in 2017, had notched his first double-digit win campaign and held a solid 3.41 ERA over 153 innings. Notably, Son had performed well against Hanwha earlier in the season, giving LG fans reason for confidence.
Hanwha countered with Cody Ponce, who proved a steadying force on the mound, pitching six innings with six strikeouts while conceding just two earned runs. Ponce’s resilience, coupled with a disciplined bullpen performance from Park Sang-won, Han Seung-hyuk, Kim Beom-su, and Kim Seo-hyun, would ultimately give Hanwha the platform they needed to rally (Chosun).
Early Tension and Missed Opportunities
The opening innings were marked by missed chances for both sides. LG loaded the bases with one out in the first, but a double play by Austin Dean stifled their momentum. Hanwha’s response was similarly muted, as Moon Hyun-bin’s two-out single went unrewarded.
Hanwha struck first in the bottom of the second. Chae Eun-seong’s single and Ha Joo-seok’s base hit put runners on, and Choi Jae-hoon’s line drive scored Lee Jin-young after an error in left field. A controversial play followed: Hanwha manager Kim Kyung-moon appealed an uncalled infield fly after Lee Do-yoon’s high pop, but the ruling stood, ending the inning.
LG Twins Respond and Take the Lead
LG Twins found their footing in the third, tying the game with Shin Min-jae’s RBI double. However, a video review overturned what could have been the go-ahead run. Kim Hyun-soo’s solo home run in the fourth gave LG the lead, his third Korean Series homer—a testament to his postseason prowess.
Son Joo-young, meanwhile, was effective through five innings, striking out five and allowing just one run. His consistency kept LG ahead, and defensive plays—like Oh Ji-hwan’s clever handling of a tricky infield pop—helped preserve the lead (MK Sports).
Hanwha’s Eighth-Inning Heroics
The turning point came in the eighth. LG, ahead 3-2, seemed poised to take a commanding series lead. But Hanwha refused to fold. Pinch hitter Kim Tae-yeon’s hit and Son Ah-seop’s single set the table, and Moon Hyun-bin’s RBI single narrowed the deficit. Chae Eun-seong walked to load the bases, and Hwang Young-muk drew a walk to tie the game.
With the bases loaded and two outs, Shim Woo-jun delivered the moment of the night—a two-run double that put Hanwha ahead. Choi Jae-hoon followed with a two-run single, capping a six-run rally that left LG stunned and the home crowd in ecstasy.
LG Twins Falter in the Final Innings
LG attempted a late comeback in the ninth, with Moon Bo-kyung singling to lead off. But Hanwha’s defense held firm. Oh Ji-hwan’s grounder forced out the lead runner, and a double play ended LG’s hopes.
The loss overshadowed strong individual performances. Shin Min-jae had two hits and an RBI, while Kim Hyun-soo’s home run added to his postseason legacy. But LG’s bullpen faltered, unable to contain Hanwha’s surge when it mattered most.
What This Game Means for the Series
With the win, Hanwha improved to 1-2 in the series, turning what looked like a potential sweep into a competitive contest. LG, still favored by historical precedent, now faces renewed pressure as Hanwha’s confidence grows.
The game showcased the unpredictable nature of postseason baseball—where momentum can shift in a single inning, and heroes can emerge from any spot in the lineup. For Hanwha, the victory was a testament to resilience, timely hitting, and a bullpen that held its nerve under pressure.
Key Players and Tactical Decisions
Hanwha’s lineup featured steady contributions from Moon Hyun-bin, Choi Jae-hoon, and pinch hitters who seized the moment. The decision to use Shim Woo-jun in a high-leverage spot paid off, while manager Kim Kyung-moon’s appeals and strategic bullpen moves were instrumental.
LG’s Son Joo-young justified his manager’s faith, pitching deep into the game and keeping Hanwha at bay until the bullpen took over. Yet, relievers Song Seung-gi and Yoo Young-chan could not stem the tide, and LG’s defense cracked under the pressure of Hanwha’s late rally.
Looking Ahead: Can Hanwha Build on This Momentum?
With Game 4 looming, both teams must quickly regroup. Hanwha will look to carry forward their newfound momentum, while LG must address bullpen concerns and recapture the composure that defined their regular season.
As the Korean Series continues, the drama of Game 3 stands as a reminder that in baseball, no lead is safe and no outcome is predetermined.
Hanwha’s eighth-inning comeback didn’t just change the score—it shifted the psychological balance of the series. While LG remains statistically favored, Hanwha’s ability to capitalize on late opportunities and rally under pressure makes the rest of this Korean Series anything but predictable.