'Multi-hit streak resumes + 'Hoo-su' defensive show': Lee Jung-hoo chases MLB batting leader Lopez again with .331 average... Giants win 5-1 [SF Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Jung-hoo (28, San Francisco Giants) led his team to victory with outstanding performances on both offense and defense. He resumed his multi-hit streak and produced a highlight-reel defensive play that drew praise from the starting pitcher.

On the 15th (Korean time), Lee Jung-hoo started as the seventh hitter and right fielder in a 2026 MLB home game against the Chicago Cubs at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, recording two hits in four at-bats and one run scored.

Lee Jung-hoo, who had extended his record for consecutive hits by a Korean player in the big leagues to 18 games, had slumped to hitless in his next two games, but on this day he delivered another multi-hit performance, raising his season batting average from 0.328 to 0.331 (81 hits in 245 at-bats). He has resumed the chase for the MLB batting title leader, Otto Lopez of the Miami Marlins (.343).

In the bottom of the third inning, Lee Jung-hoo led off the game and faced the Cubs' second pitcher, Colin Rea. With a 1-2 count, he connected on a 94.8 mph (approximately 152.6 km/h) fastball on the fourth pitch. The batted ball headed toward left field and became a hit with a deft shot that cleared the third baseman's head.

Lee Jung-hoo was thrown out at second base on a fielder's choice grounder by Daniel Suarez, and the inning ended without any runs for his team.

Leading off again in the bottom of the fifth, Lee Jung-hoo faced Rea once more. With a 1-1 count, he hit a three-pitch 93.6 mph (150.6 km/h) four-seam fastball up the middle, resulting in an infield hit toward the third baseman.

On Suarez's sacrifice bunt, Lee Jung-hoo advanced to second base. Later, on Drew Gilbert's double, he rounded third and scored at home. His base running was also impressive. Although it was unclear whether the batted ball would become a hit, Lee Jung-hoo took a large lead and watched the play closely. As soon as he confirmed the ball dropped, he sprinted and easily scored.

San Francisco took the lead thanks to Lee Jung-hoo's skillful base running, and Matt Chapman's two-run home run (his seventh of the season) extended their advantage.

Although there were no further hits, Lee Jung-hoo stood out defensively. In the top of the sixth with two outs and a runner on second, Ian Happ's batted ball headed toward right field, but Lee Jung-hoo quickly judged the ball and caught it easily, eliminating a scoring threat. In his third at-bat of the sixth inning, he led off and was retired on a fly ball to center field.

The defensive play in the top of the eighth was particularly impressive. With starting pitcher Logan Webb still on the mound, the Cubs scored their first run on hits by Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman. Later, with two outs and a runner on second, Michael Bush's batted ball headed toward the right-field wall. Lee Jung-hoo sprinted after the ball and collided with the fence but did not let go of the ball. Spectators, along with loud cheers, expressed their admiration. Webb raised his arms high for a long time, unable to hide his joy.

According to MLB.com, manager Gabe Kapler said, "Whatever happened, Webb's performance was miraculous," and added, "But Lee Jung-hoo put the final touch on it." Webb also said, "Fortunately, Jung-hoo caught that ball. I always want to keep playing in the game, and I'm glad I could get out safely."

According to SFBayNews, Lee Jung-hoo said, "I knew Logan would have to face that batter, and we were in a situation where we couldn't afford to use many pitches. I was determined to catch the ball and end the inning, so I chased it hard." He added, "I once got injured and stiffened up when moving toward the fence, but today I didn't think about that and just chased the ball. Logan told me he was grateful."

"Playing the full season last year was a good experience," he said. "There's still a lot of season left. My personality doesn't have huge ups and downs whether I'm playing well or not." He added, "I want to have a healthy season without injuries from here on."

Regarding his two-game hitless slump after the consecutive hit streak, he said, "That's baseball. In the at-bats where I was out yesterday and the day before, I made solid contact, but the hits I got today were all on batted balls that were slightly off. That's baseball."

Thanks to Lee Jung-hoo's performance, San Francisco won 5-1. Starting pitcher Webb delivered a brilliant outing with eight innings and one run allowed, earning his fourth win (four losses) of the season. He continued his streak of pitching eight innings in consecutive games.

San Francisco snapped their two-game losing streak and improved to 29 wins and 43 losses, still in fourth place in the National League West. Meanwhile, the Cubs, who finished their three-game winning streak, stood at 37 wins and 35 losses, remaining in third place in the National League Central.

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*This content was translated by AI.