SAN FRANCISCO - Lee Jung-hoo, the South Korean rookie for the San Francisco Giants, achieved his first home hit during the team's recent victory against the San Diego Padres. Meanwhile, Kim Ha-seong of the Padres experienced an unusual game, committing two errors that significantly influenced the game's outcome.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee went 1-for-4, ending his recent hitless streak and contributing to the Giants' 3-2 win over the Padres at Oracle Park. His performance marked a positive turn after a series of challenging games, with his batting average slightly increasing after this successful at-bat. On the contrary, Padres' Kim Ha-seong, known for his defensive reliability, faced a tough game, making two critical errors that led to unearned runs and ultimately the team's loss.
In a crucial moment during the sixth inning, with the Giants trailing, Kim's first error allowed Lee to advance and eventually score, igniting a comeback. Another mistake by Kim in the eighth facilitated the Giants to tie the game and subsequently take the lead, overshadowing his own RBI earlier in the contest. Despite these setbacks, Kim resolved to improve in future games, acknowledging the rare nature of his mistakes on the field.
Lee also faced his challenges during the series, including a difficult moment in the previous game where he misjudged a flyball. However, he remains optimistic about adjusting to major league play and maintaining a solid performance at the plate.
Both players, former teammates in South Korea, showcased their resilience amidst the highs and lows of professional baseball. The Giants and Padres, who are rivals in the National League West, have faced each other multiple times this season, with their next encounter scheduled for September in San Diego.