SD's Song Sung-moon scores a priceless "game-winning run"!... Even a 9-pitch at-bat shows 'tenacity even in the MLB'

*This content was translated by AI.

Song Sung-moon (30, San Diego Padres) may not have recorded a hit, but he drew a valuable walk at a crucial moment, becoming the hero of the game-winning run.

On the 10th (Korean time), Song Sung-moon started at second base and batted eighth in the regular-season home game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Petco Park in San Diego, California, USA, recording two at-bats with no hits, one walk, and one run scored.

After being called up to the major leagues again on the 6th, Song Sung-moon immediately delivered a multi-hit performance and a game-winning hit that day. However, he remained hitless in three consecutive games up to and including this game, causing his batting average to drop, yet he still scored the game-winning run.

After this game, Song Sung-moon's season statistics stand at five games played, a batting average of 0.182 (11 at-bats, 2 hits), one double, two RBIs, three runs scored, one walk, three strikeouts, one stolen base (zero failed), an on-base percentage of 0.250, a slugging percentage of 0.273, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.523.

In this game, Randy Vasquez started for San Diego. The starting lineup was Jackson Merrill (center field), Fernando Tatis Jr. (right field), Manny Machado (third base), Gavin Sheets (designated hitter), Xander Bogaerts (shortstop), Ramon Laureano (left field), Ty France (first base), Song Sung-moon (second base), and Freddy Fermin (catcher).

In response, the St. Louis Cardinals had Dustin May take the mound as the starting pitcher. The starting lineup was JJ Wetherholt (second base), Ivan Herrera (designated hitter), Alec Burleson (first base), Jordan Walker (right field), Nolan Gorman (third base), Masyn Winn (shortstop), Nathan Cheeseman (center field), Thomas Sues (left field), and Pedro Pages (catcher).

Song Sung-moon engaged in a tenacious at-bat from his first turn. As the leadoff batter in the bottom of the third inning, he faced starting pitcher May in a battle that extended to nine pitches. Although he eventually flew out to center field in a heartbreaking manner, he demonstrated the concentration needed to wear down the opposing pitcher's stamina.

When San Diego trailed 0-1, Song Sung-moon came to bat in the bottom of the fifth inning after Ty France's solo home run tied the game at 1-1. With one out, Song faced May again. After a full-count battle, he calmly drew a walk to reach base. Later, when Freddy Fermin singled and the opposing catcher made a throwing error, Song, who had advanced to third base, scored on Fernando Tatis Jr.'s sacrifice fly to left field. This run became the game-winning, go-ahead run of the day.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Song's final at-bat, he grounded out to third base, concluding his offensive appearance.

San Diego held onto the lead secured by Song Sung-moon's run until the end. In the bottom of the eighth inning, with the team trailing 3-2, Manny Machado hit a solo home run over the center-field fence, sealing the victory.

On the mound, starting pitcher Vasquez pitched five innings allowing only one run, achieving his fourth win (one loss) of the season. Closer Mason Miller overcame a bases-loaded, two-out crisis in the top of the ninth inning, recording his 12th save of the season. He currently holds sole possession of first place in the National League in saves.

Ultimately, San Diego, winning 4-2, succeeded in breaking their two-game losing streak. With a season record of 23 wins and 16 losses, San Diego maintains second place in the National League West Division.

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*This content was translated by AI.