Humiliated Kim Ha-seong was inserted as a defensive replacement, only to be replaced by a pinch hitter at his own plate and sent 'OUT'... Lee Jung-hoo also went hitless in four at-bats

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ha-seong (30, Atlanta Braves), who was left out of the starting lineup due to poor hitting, was brought in as a defensive replacement during the game but suffered the humiliation of being replaced by a pinch hitter when it was his turn to bat. Lee Jung-hoo (28, San Francisco Giants), who had hit a home run in the previously suspended game, unfortunately failed to add another hit in this contest.

Kim Ha-seong did not make the starting lineup for the '2026 Major League Baseball (MLB)' home game against San Francisco, held on the 18th (Korea time) at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. He started the game on the bench after falling into a severe hitting slump, with his season batting average dropping to 0.085 (5 hits in 59 at-bats). This was especially the case given that he recorded 0 hits in 3 at-bats, 2 strikeouts, and 1 walk in the previously suspended game.

The opportunity came in the later innings. Kim Ha-seong was inserted into the game as a defensive replacement for shortstop, replacing Dominique Smith, at the start of the bottom of the 7th inning. A cruel moment arrived for Kim Ha-seong, who had handled defense through the bottom of the 8th. With Atlanta trailing 2-5 in the bottom of the 8th, two outs, and runners on first and second in a scoring position situation, the Atlanta bench brought in Rowdy Tellez to bat for Kim.

It was the moment a player, inserted for defensive reinforcement, suffered the indignity of being replaced again by a pinch hitter mid-game without even completing a single at-bat, returning to the bench. However, Tellez was retired on a swinging strikeout.

Meanwhile, San Francisco's Lee Jung-hoo, who had signaled a return to form with a thrilling home run in the previous suspended game, had to swallow his disappointment in this game. Starting as the fifth hitter and center fielder, Lee Jung-hoo was shut out by the opposing pitching staff and struggled to get on base.

After being retired on a line drive to the first baseman in the top of the 2nd inning, he was retired on a fly ball to left field in the top of the 3rd and a ground ball to the second baseman in the top of the 6th. Even in his final at-bat in the top of the 8th, he was retired on a ground ball to the second baseman, ultimately finishing the game hitless in four at-bats. The inability to carry the momentum from the home run in the suspended game into this contest left a deep sense of regret.

In the game, San Francisco secured a 7-5 victory, extending their winning streak to three games. Although they allowed three runs in the bottom of the 9th while leading 7-2, they did not surrender the lead. Atlanta fell into a slump with three consecutive losses.

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*This content was translated by AI.