'Demoted to base runner': In front of Kim Ha-seong, SD's Song Sung-moon shone with a multi-base hit, a stolen base, and a great defensive play... The team secured a walk-off victory in the 10th inning [MLB Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

In a matchup between Korean big leaguers from the Kiwoom Heroes, junior player Song Sung-moon (30, San Diego Padres) emerged victorious.

On the 24th (Korea time), Song Sung-moon started at second base and batted ninth in the home game against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park in San Diego, California, USA, recording 3 at-bats, 1 hit, 1 walk, 1 stolen base, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored.

His season batting average rose from 0.200 to 0.208 (53 at-bats, 11 hits), while his on-base percentage and slugging percentage increased from 0.286 and 0.240 to 0.300 and 0.245, respectively. His OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) reached 0.545.

Both teams' lineups ignited in the second inning. In the bottom of the second, Atlanta loaded the bases with consecutive hits from Dominic Smith and Mauricio Dubon, followed by a hit-by-pitch from Drake Baldwin, and Rowdy Tellez delivered a two-run RBI single. Michael Harris Jr. then added a one-run RBI single, and Matt Olson walked with the bases loaded to extend the lead to 4-0.

San Diego responded immediately. In the top of the second with one out, consecutive walks from Jander Bogatz and Will Wagner were followed by Rodolfo Duran's one-run RBI single. With one out and runners on first and second, Song Sung-moon came to the plate.

With a 2-2 count, Song Sung-moon attacked a 89.3 mph (143.7 km/h) changeup thrown by John Haddon. The ball became a hit down the line between second and third base, allowing runner Duran to score from second base. This was Song Sung-moon's sixth RBI of the season.

San Diego narrowed the gap further with a run on Fernando Tatis Jr.'s double. Later, when Samad Taylor hit a ground ball to the shortstop, a throwing error occurred, enabling San Diego to take a 5-4 lead. Song Sung-moon also scored, marking his seventh run of the season.

In the top of the fourth with two outs, Atlanta's lineup regained focus. After a hit by Harris Jr., a wild pitch by Kyle Hart and a double by A.J. Albies tied the game at 5-5.

In the bottom of the fourth with one out, Song Sung-moon appeared at the plate, calmly selected a pitch to draw a walk, and boldly stole second base, recording his sixth stolen base of the season (with two failed attempts). However, on a ground ball to the shortstop by Tatis Jr., he was thrown out at third base on a fielder's choice.

In the top of the fifth, Dubon hit a home run off Yuki Matsui, giving Atlanta a 6-5 lead. San Diego failed to score in the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings. In the bottom of the sixth with two outs, Song Sung-moon was retired on a pop fly to first base.

In the bottom of the seventh, San Diego tied the game again. Tatis Jr. hit a solo home run off a sinker inside the zone on a full count.

Neither team added runs in the eighth and ninth innings, sending the game into extra innings. Song Sung-moon led off the bottom of the ninth with a line drive to left field, leaving a sense of regret.

In the top of the tenth, Kim Ha-seong (31) entered as a pinch runner for Baldwin at second base. He advanced to third base on Austin Riley's fly ball to right field, but the subsequent batters failed to drive him in, resulting in no run scored. Kim Ha-seong, who did not get a plate appearance, maintained his season batting average at 0.081 (62 at-bats, 5 hits).

In the bottom of the tenth, San Diego ended the game. With no outs and a runner on second, Machado attacked a sinker thrown down the middle on the first pitch and hit a walk-off hit.

Song Sung-moon also excelled defensively. In the top of the seventh, when the team was trailing 5-6, he fielded a deep hit to the right side of second base from Baldwin and made a clean jump throw, earning admiration.

However, in the top of the eighth, during a difficult play on a hit to the outfield, communication with right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. seemed lacking. Song Sung-moon made a late throw, but Tatis Jr. failed to make the catch, allowing the runner to advance to second base. Despite the error, no runs were scored, and the team secured the victory.

With a two-game winning streak, San Diego improved to 41 wins and 37 losses, maintaining a nine-game gap behind first-place Los Angeles Dodgers and holding second place in the National League West. Meanwhile, Atlanta fell to a three-game losing streak but remained atop the National League East with 48 wins and 30 losses, holding a 5.5-game lead over second-place Philadelphia Phillies.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.