SEOUL — In an unexpected turn at Gocheok Sky Dome, Kiwoom Heroes' third baseman Song Sung-mun delivered a noteworthy performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Sunday's exhibition game, despite the team's 14-3 loss.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Song went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, marking a personal success against one of Major League Baseball's top teams.
Song expressed his elation and surprise at not only playing in the game but also securing two significant hits. The first of these, in the third inning, marked the Heroes' initial hit of the match, breaking a streak of no bases for the team. Song's second, a two-run double off Dodgers' reliever Evan Phillips, demonstrated his potential, as the hit would have been a home run in 12 MLB stadiums.
Despite the overall defeat, Song viewed the match as an invaluable experience, emphasizing the learning opportunity presented by playing against a team of the Dodgers' caliber. He shared insights on his approach to the game, aiming to apply the same concentration and effort as he would in a regular season match.
While the exhibition game's outcome was not favorable for the Heroes, Song's individual performance stood out, fostering personal growth and confidence. He modestly reflected on his aspirations, stating a focus on improving his play in the Korea Baseball Organization before contemplating future endeavors in MLB.
The match against the Dodgers, part of a series of exhibitions leading to the two-game Seoul Series against the San Diego Padres, offered Song and his team a unique international baseball experience. Song's memorable performance and reflective attitude signal a promising start to his season in the KBO.
SEOUL — Kim Yun-ha, a promising young pitcher for the Kiwoom Heroes and the nephew of MLB veteran Park Chan-ho, faced a challenging introduction to professional baseball during Sunday's exhibition game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.According to Yonhap News Agency, the 19-year-old was responsible for five earned runs over just 1 1/3 innings, contributing to the Heroes' 14-3 defeat at Gocheok Sky Dome.
Drafted ninth overall in the last Korea Baseball Organization draft, Kim stepped onto the mound in the top of the sixth with the Heroes trailing 8-1. His outing began positively with an out, but soon deteriorated after hitting a batter and allowing multiple hits and walks, culminating in a significant Dodgers lead. The seventh inning proved particularly difficult for Kim, leading to his replacement after a series of hits and walks further extended the Dodgers' lead.
The exhibition marked the beginning of the Dodgers' participation in South Korea, preceding the inaugural MLB regular season games to be held in the country against the San Diego Padres. This event holds personal significance for Kim, whose uncle, Park Chan-ho, was the first South Korean player in MLB history and had his most successful years with the Dodgers, earning an All-Star selection in 2001.
Park Chan-ho, known for setting the record for the most wins by an Asian-born pitcher in the MLB, is set to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the opening game of the Seoul Series, adding a family connection to the upcoming MLB events in South Korea.