*This content was translated by AI.
Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves) has struggled to find his offensive rhythm. However, he continued to shine on defense, contributing significantly to his team's victory.
On the 27th (Korea time), Kim Ha-seong started at shortstop and batted eighth in the away game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, in the "2026 Major League Baseball (MLB)" season. He went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. As a result, Kim Ha-seong's season batting average fell from 0.118 to 0.105.
On this day, Kim Ha-seong failed to bounce back as his well-hit balls often went straight at fielders, offering little luck at the plate. However, he displayed exceptional defensive focus in close-game situations, helping his team snap its losing streak.
While he struggled at the plate, his presence on defense was overwhelming. The moment Kim Ha-seong's defense shone brightest came in the bottom of the 6th inning when his team led 5-2. Relief pitcher Didier Puentés surrendered a hit and a walk, creating a crisis with the bases loaded and no outs.
This is where Kim Ha-seong's one-man show began. Kim Ha-seong fielded Micky Gasper's sharp grounder and immediately turned a force out at second base, then threw accurately to first base to complete a double play. With two outs and a runner on third, he also smoothly handled Nick Sogard's grounder, taking sole responsibility for all three outs needed to end the bottom of the 6th inning.
Kim Ha-seong's fingertips also shone in the tense one-run situation in the bottom of the 9th. With closer Raisel Iglesias struggling and the score tied 7-6, facing a crisis with one out and runners on first and second, Kim Ha-seong fielded a grounder from Isaiah Kiner-Falefa. With a split-second decision, he threw to third base to tag out the preceding runner. It was a decisive defensive play that cut off Boston's final rally.
Meanwhile, the Braves, buoyed by Michael Harris II's two-run home run in the top of the 8th and Kim Ha-seong's stellar defense late in the game, repelled Boston's fierce comeback attempt with a 7-6 victory. With this win, the Braves snapped their two-game losing streak and solidified their first-place position in the National League East with a season record of 37 wins and 18 losses (winning percentage 0.673).
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*This content was translated by AI.
