Lee Jung-hoo Marks MLB Milestone with First Home Run for Giants

SAN FRANCISCO — In an impressive early display of talent, San Francisco Giants’ South Korean rookie Lee Jung-hoo hit his first Major League Baseball home run, marking a significant milestone in just his third game. The achievement came during a match against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park in San Diego on Saturday, showcasing Lee’s promising future in MLB.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee’s home run off Padres’ Tom Cosgrove was a highlight moment in the top of the eighth inning. With a 1-1 count, Lee, a left-handed batter, connected with a sweeper from the lefty reliever, launching the ball 406 feet into the right field seats at a velocity of 104.4 miles per hour.

The homer was not just a personal achievement for Lee but also a catalyst for the Giants, igniting a six-run inning that decisively tilted the game in their favor. Following Lee’s solo home run, which increased the Giants’ lead to 4-1, teammates Wilmer Flores and Michael Conforto contributed with an RBI single and a grand slam, respectively, broadening the gap to 9-1.

Lee’s transition to MLB has been closely watched, especially after his seven-year tenure in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and a significant six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants—the largest ever for a KBO player through posting. Lee’s performance in spring training, where he batted .343 across 13 games, and his consistent contributions in the season’s early games, underscore his adaptability and potential in MLB.

In addition to his home run, Lee also recorded a sacrifice fly during the game, contributing to his .333 batting average and .869 on-base plus slugging. His role as leadoff hitter and center fielder in all three games highlights his versatility and importance to the Giants’ lineup.

The game also featured South Korean shortstop Kim Ha-seong of the Padres, who went 0-for-4 with a strikeout, batting .167 early in the season. Despite the mixed results for Korean players that day, Lee’s home run stands out as a significant moment, celebrating his arrival on the MLB stage and the potential for a stellar career ahead.