On his birthday, Hanwha Eagles Nick Williams had the best day of his life, hitting two home runs, including the game-winning one, to lead his team to victory.

Hanwha extended its winning streak to three games with a 6-5 victory over Kiwoom in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Monday. With a season record of 47 wins, 6 losses and 62 draws, they leapfrogged the Samsung Lions (50 wins, 1 loss and 67 draws) into eighth place. Williams, who was born Sept. 8, 1993, on his birthday, returned to the starting lineup after 13 days as the No. 2 designated hitter and went 2-for-4 with two home runs and two RBIs.

In his first at-bat against Kiwoom starter Kim Sun-ki, Williams popped out to center field and with the bases loaded in the top of the fourth inning with his team trailing 0-2, he hit a two-pitch 130 km/h slurve from Kim for a solo home run over the right field fence. It was Williams’ fifth home run of the season, his first in 13 games since Aug. 15 against Changwon NC.

He was quiet in his next two at-bats, but came through when it mattered most. With the score tied at 5-5 in the top of the 12th inning and the bases loaded, Williams hit a 143-kilometer/h fastball from Kiwoom’s eighth pitcher, Park Seung-ju, over the right field wall. Williams’ home run gave Hanwha the lead, and they were able to close out the bottom of the 12th and end the long game with the win.

After the game, Williams said, “What a night. It’s an adrenaline rush. I don’t usually show dramatic emotions in my professional career, but tonight I couldn’t help but show them. I’m just so happy for the team to get the win,” he said of his victory.

He added: “I think we all live to create decisive moments like today. Of course, there is stress in critical situations, but it’s a blessing to be in such a situation,” he said. “Even if I don’t start, I always come to the game prepared. No matter where I play, I try to win.”스포츠토토

“I once hit two home runs in a game against the Cincinnati Reds, and my family was in the stadium. My son, wife, and father-in-law were at the ballpark today as well,” he said, conveying the joy of being with his family.

Hanwha fans also sang “Happy Birthday” during the game for Williams, who was celebrating his birthday that day, and he thanked the fans for their support, saying that it helped him “tremendously.” “Actually, even more than the cheers and congratulatory songs, the fans’ shouts are what makes me focus on my play and perform,” he said.