Key Highlights
- The LG Twins defeated the Hanwha Eagles 8-2 in Game 1 of the Korean Series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium.
- Shin Min-jae had three hits and two RBIs, while Anders Tolhurst struck out seven over six innings.
- The Twins have won the first game of the series about 73% of the time in recent years.
- Park Hae-min’s home run extended the Twins’ lead to 3-0.
LG Twins Triumph Over Hanwha Eagles, Take Series Lead
The LG Twins began their pursuit of a second Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) title in three years with a resounding victory over the Hanwha Eagles, defeating them 8-2 in Game 1 of the Korean Series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium on October 26, 2025.
Shin Min-jae played a pivotal role for the Twins, hitting three singles and driving in two runs. His performance from the No. 2 spot in the batting order provided a significant boost to the Twins’ offense. Anders Tolhurst also delivered an impressive start on the mound, surrendering just two runs over six innings and striking out seven batters.
The Twins struck early and often, taking a 2-0 lead after the first inning thanks to a series of well-executed plays.
Hong Chang-ki led off with a walk against starter Moon Dong-ju, who allowed an infield single to Shin Min-jae. The Eagles’ starting pitcher then issued two more walks, allowing the Twins to take control of the game.
The Eagles managed to cut into the lead in the sixth inning but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Luis Liberato doubled leading off the top of the sixth and came home on a single by Roh Si-hwan after Chae Eun-seong also singled.
However, Ha Ju-suk’s sacrifice fly scored Roh, making it 4-2 at that point.
The Twins’ offense continued to dominate in the bottom half of the inning. Park Hae-min hit a solo home run to extend the lead to 3-0. Shin Min-jae then tripled and came home on a fielder’s choice, pushing the Twins’ advantage to 4-0.
The Eagles managed to slash their deficit in half with two more runs in the top of the sixth inning. However, the Twins added four more runs against the Eagles’ bullpen in the bottom of the sixth, loading the bases and scoring on a series of well-executed hits by Shin Min-jae, Kim Hyun-soo, and Moon Bo-gyeong.
Key Performance Metrics
Tolhurst’s strong start was complemented by his three relievers who each threw hitless innings to close out the game. The Twins’ victory secured a 2-0 series lead with right-hander Im Chan-kyu set to take the mound for Game 2 on Monday, October 27, 2025.
Im’s past performance against the Eagles shows his effectiveness in previous encounters. He went 2-1 with a 1.59 ERA in five regular-season starts and has not allowed a home run to any opponent this year.
Meanwhile, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Eagles will start Game 2 after going 1-0 with a 1.08 ERA against the Twins.
The Twins’ victory underscores their dominance in recent years. Since ending a 29-year championship drought in 2023, they have shown resilience and skill on the field. Their opponents, the Eagles, are playing in their first championship round since 2006, adding to the significance of this series.
Background and Implications
The Korean Series is a highly anticipated event that determines the champion of the KBO League. Past records show that winning Game 1 has been crucial for teams seeking to secure their titles. With a commanding 2-0 series lead, the LG Twins are in an excellent position to claim victory.
As both teams prepare for Game 2 on Monday, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the performance of key players such as Shin Min-jae and Im Chan-kyu.
The outcome of this series will not only decide the champion but also set the stage for future seasons in KBO.
The Twins’ victory over the Eagles marks a significant milestone in their pursuit of glory, reflecting their consistent performance and skill on the field. As the series progresses, fans can expect more intense games and thrilling moments that define the spirit of Korean baseball.
