'22 at-bats, 1 hit → Absurd error': Kim Ha-seong in crisis finally hits a go-ahead hit and records his first RBI... Team secures 8-4 victory [ATL Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves), who had endured a long and frustrating slump, finally hit a go-ahead hit, signaling his comeback.

On the 20th (Korean time), Kim Ha-seong started at shortstop and batted ninth in the road game against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, USA, during the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season. He recorded 4 at-bats, 1 hit, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored.

Before the season began, Kim Ha-seong was staying in Korea when he slipped on icy roads and injured his finger, eventually ending up on the operating table.

Naturally, he needed time to recover and had to go through the minor leagues afterward. Even in the minor leagues, with a batting average of 0.286 (28 at-bats, 8 hits) and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.733, it was difficult to say he had fully regained his form when he was called up to the major league team.

After joining the team on the 13th, Kim Ha-seong hit his first hit in the second game against the Chicago Cubs, raising expectations.

However, there was no comeback. Until that day, he failed to add any more hits, finishing with 19 at-bats and 1 hit. Although he consistently received playing opportunities, the situation became one where he could no longer feel at ease.

On this day, the situation also seemed to show no improvement. In the top of the 1st inning, the team created an opportunity through a walk by Joe Mays, a hit by Mauricio Dubón, and a walk by Matt Olson. Ozzie Albies hit a sacrifice fly to score one run, and Michael Harris hit a go-ahead single to add another run.

However, in the bottom of the 1st inning, he gave up a solo home run to Javier Edwards. He then allowed a hit to Otto Lopez, a walk to Sandy Leon, and a double to Kyle Stowers, surrendering a 2-3 lead.

In the top of the 2nd inning with one out and no runners on base, Kim Ha-seong stepped up to the plate for his first at-bat. Facing opposing starter Braxton Garrett, with a 1-0 count, he swung at an 83.3 mph (134.1 km/h) slider that broke toward the inside corner, but it resulted in a ground ball to the third baseman.

In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Lopez drew a walk, followed by Christopher Morel's double, and then another sacrifice fly was hit, extending the score to 2-4.

Later, Kim Ha-seong stepped up to the plate for his second at-bat in the 4th inning. Facing reliever Anthony Bender with two outs and no runners on base, he hit a weak ground ball to the pitcher on a 97.3 mph (156.6 km/h) sinker in the middle of the plate with a 1-2 count.

Fortunately, the team began to rally. In the top of the 5th inning, Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a double, and Olson followed with a two-run double to cut the deficit to one run.

As his at-bats were not going well, the 5th inning defense also produced frustrating moments. In the bottom of the 5th, with the team trailing 3-4, Lopez hit a ball that was stopped by a diving play, but the fielder failed to make the catch. Manager Walt Weiss's disappointed expression was captured on the broadcast.

The subsequent defense was even more painful. With one out and a runner on first, Hernandez hit a routine grounder that was dropped. A double steal was also allowed, putting the team in a crisis with one out and runners on second and third, but Martin Perez recorded consecutive strikeouts to extinguish the threat. Kim Ha-seong was able to let out a sigh of relief.

In the top of the 6th inning, Harris hit a solo home run to tie the game. With two outs and no runners on base, Kim Ha-seong stepped up to the plate again and hit a fly ball to left field on a 97.2 mph (156.4 km/h) inside fastball from reliever Michael Petersen.

In the top of the 8th inning, he finally reached base. With the score tied 4-4, two outs, and a runner on second, after a full-count battle, he drew a walk. Later, Acuña Jr. drew a walk to load the bases. Dubón's hit scored one run, and Olson's additional hit allowed Kim Ha-seong to score as well, instantly extending the lead to 7-4.

In the 9th inning, he finally recorded a hit. With two outs and runners on first and second, he smashed a low slider at 91.1 mph (146.6 km/h) from Lake Bachar on the first pitch. The ball, traveling at 96.9 mph (155.9 km/h), was hit toward center field, bringing one runner home.

With this hit and walk added, Kim Ha-seong's season batting average rose from 0.053 to 0.087 (23 at-bats, 2 hits), his on-base percentage and slugging percentage increased from 0.143 and 0.053 to 0.192 and 0.087, respectively. His OPS became 0.279.

The team recorded 33 wins and 16 losses. They maintained first place in the National League East, holding an eight-game lead over the second-place Philadelphia Phillies.

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*This content was translated by AI.