'Dignified Kim Hye-sung' Multi-hit Explosion → .308 Batting Average, '535.7 Billion Won Shortstop' Void Unfelt... Ohtani 51G Consecutive On-Base [LAD Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Hye-sung (27, LA Dodgers), called up to fill the void left by Mookie Betts, continues to deliver outstanding performances that make the absence of Betts feel forgotten day after day.

On the 20th (Korean time), Kim Hye-sung started as the eighth hitter and shortstop in the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, USA, recording two hits in four at-bats and one run scored.

Although he was left out of the starting lineup the previous day when the opponent started with a right-handed pitcher, causing some disappointment, he returned to the lineup today and recorded his second multi-hit game of the season (two or more hits in a single game).

As a result, his season batting average rose from 0.273 to 0.308 (8 hits in 26 at-bats), returning to the .300 mark. His on-base percentage and slugging percentage also increased from 0.393 and 0.455 to 0.406 and 0.500, respectively. His OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) reached 0.906.

In the bottom of the third inning with the score tied at 0-0 and one out, Kim Hye-sung stepped up to the plate for his first at-bat. With a 1-1 count, he powerfully hit a 93.2 mph (approximately 150 km/h) four-seam fastball from right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen, sending a strong hit toward the gap between center and right field for a double. This was his second double of the season.

Later, he easily scored the first run on an infield single by Alex Freeland. The Dodgers added another run on a double by Shohei Ohtani.

In the bottom of the fourth inning with the Dodgers leading by one run, one out, and runners on first and second, Kim Hye-sung stepped up to the plate and swung aggressively at the first pitch, but the ball was caught by the center fielder's glove. Meanwhile, Alex Col caught up and advanced to third base, and Ryan Ward also reached second base, but neither managed to score.

In the sixth inning, he again had a chance with one out and runners on first and second, but this time he was fooled by a changeup that moved away from him. Kim Hye-sung's hit went toward the third baseman, and the leading runner was thrown out at second base. Fortunately, Freeland's hit later allowed the runner from third to score, restoring the Dodgers' lead at 4-3.

A second hit came in the bottom of the eighth inning. After the team fell behind 4-6, Kim Hye-sung stepped up to the plate with one out and a runner on first. With a 1-1 count against Jimmy Herget, he pushed a slider on the outside corner into fair territory for a single to left field. He advanced to second base on a wild pitch, but failed to score due to a subsequent batter's failure to drive him in.

The Dodgers allowed a comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning after starter Blake Treinen surrendered four consecutive hits, including a two-run home run, and gave up three runs. Edwin Diaz, who entered in the eighth inning, also allowed three hits and one walk, giving up three more runs, resulting in a 6-9 loss for the Dodgers.

Ohtani recorded two hits in five at-bats, extending his consecutive games on-base streak to 51 games. He is now just one game away from Choo Shin-soo's Asian record of 52 consecutive games on base.

Dodgers starter Sasaki Roki pitched 4⅔ innings, throwing 78 pitches. He allowed seven hits (including one home run), two walks, and recorded two strikeouts while giving up three runs, failing to complete five innings before being pulled from the game.

The Dodgers maintained their first-place position in the National League West with a record of 15 wins and 6 losses.

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*This content was translated by AI.