Seven Straight Wins Already? Captain Chae Eun-sung Stays Calm: “First Place? It’s Not Over…No Reason to Get Carried Away”

Introduction and Context

On June 18 at Suwon KT Wiz Park, Hanwha Eagles captain Chae Eun-sung delivered a stellar performance—going 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs—to propel his team to a 5-0 victory over the KT Wiz, marking Hanwha’s third seven-game winning streak of the season and boosting their record to 53-33-2 (.616).
Despite the pressure of opening the second half, Chae’s composed play set the tone early and helped Hanwha maintain first place in the standings.

Early Impact: Drawing First Blood

Facing KT starter Oh Won-seok in the top of the second inning, Chae led off with a front-door four-pitch walk. Following consecutive walks by Lee Jin-young and a sacrifice bunt by Ha Joo-seok, Chae sprinted home on a Yu Gyeok-su misplay to give Hanwha a 1-0 lead—an example of his aggressiveness and situational awareness.
His hustle on the bases energized the dugout and showcased why he’s revered as a true captain on and off the field.

Clutch Hit with Two Outs

In the third inning, with two outs and Noh Si-hwan on second, Chae connected on a 3–2 changeup for an RBI single into left field. That timely hit extended the lead to 2-0, underlining his knack for delivering in high-pressure moments.
Chae later explained that producing runs with two outs lifts team morale and keeps momentum swinging in Hanwha’s favor.

Power Display: Two-Run Home Run

Hanwha led 3-0 in the fifth inning when Chae stepped to the plate with two outs and a runner on first. He ambushed a 130 km/h changeup, sending it over the left-field wall for his 15th homer of the season and a 5-0 cushion.
This blast highlighted his midseason power surge—he’d already belted four homers in July—and underscored why pitchers must respect his timing at the dish.

Captain’s Insight: Staying Grounded

After the game, Chae smiled, “I’m glad we won the first game of the second half. The homer came because I aimed for good timing, but I never try to swing for the fences. It just happened.”
On maintaining focus, he added, “Being in first place isn’t the end; it’s just part of the process. We treat each game like a tournament, and our coach told us to keep the same mindset until the end.”

Season Narrative: Third Seven-Game Streak

Hanwha’s current seven-game streak is their third of 2025—after an eight-game and twelve-game run in the first half. Chae noted, “Our confidence has grown. Tight games feel different now; we execute plays with belief rather than hesitation.”
The Eagles have shown resilience in close contests, a testament to their matured clubhouse culture under Chae’s leadership.

Community Buzz and Reactions

Across Korean baseball forums like Naver, Daum, and DC Inside, fans praised Chae’s leadership and the team’s depth. On Naver, positive comments about clutch hitting outnumbered criticisms 4:1, while on DC Inside, supporters lauded the bullpen’s stability during the streak. A top comment read, “Chae Eun-sung proves again why he’s the heart of this team—calm, clutch, and consistent.”
However, a minority worried the Eagles might lose focus as opponents tighten the race.

Cultural Insight for International Fans

For overseas followers, understanding the KBO’s momentum-driven fandom is key. Korean fans celebrate ‘streak energy,’ where victories fuel nationwide excitement—seen in packed ballparks and social media virality. Hanwha’s long-awaited rise resonates deeply: the club hadn’t held sole first place for over three decades until June, making every win a historic moment.
Embracing local chants like “대~한민국” (“Dae~hanminguk”) after key plays connects you with Korean supporters in the stands.

Looking Ahead

As Hanwha embarks deeper into the second half, the captain emphasizes consistency: “We’ll keep playing one game at a time. If we give our best every day, these wins will stack up just like before.”
With Chae anchoring the lineup and a bullpen that’s unblemished during this streak, the Eagles have momentum—but as he reminded everyone, the season isn’t won yet.