'SON in uniform' Lee Jung-hoo records two more hits and a fantastic super catch, appearing in the 9th inning! 'He really has no weaknesses'

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Jung-hoo (28, San Francisco Giants), who hit a home run the previous day (24th), put on a multi-hit game this time, including a double.

On the 24th (Korean time), Lee Jung-hoo started as the sixth hitter and right fielder in the MLB home game against the Athletics at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, USA, recording 4 at-bats with 2 hits.

After this game, Lee Jung-hoo's season statistics stand at 71 games played, a batting average of 0.333 (270 at-bats, 90 hits), 5 home runs, 19 doubles, 2 triples, 27 RBIs, 40 runs scored, 13 walks, 26 strikeouts, 5 stolen bases (0 failed), an on-base percentage of 0.367, a slugging percentage of 0.474, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.841.

Currently, Lee Jung-hoo ranks second in batting average across the entire MLB, trailing the first-place Otto Lopez (Miami Marlins, 0.340) by 7 points.

Notably, while the South Korean national football team played its final group stage match against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, images were released showing Lee Jung-hoo training while wearing the national team jersey before the game.

The Athletics started with Gage Jump on the mound, fielding Henry Bolte (center field), Nick Kurtz (first base), Shea Langeliers (catcher), Tyler Soderstrom (left field), Jacob Wilson (shortstop), Joey Meneses (designated hitter), Lawrence Butler (right field), Max Muncy (third base), and Jeff McNeil (second base) in the starting lineup.

In response, the San Francisco Giants started with Tyler Malone on the mound, fielding Matt Chapman (third base), Bryce Eldridge (first base), Case Schmidt (second base), Rafah El Debes (designated hitter), Willy Adames (shortstop), Lee Jung-hoo (right field), Victor Berriozabal (left field), Eric Haase (catcher), and Jonah Cox (center field) in the starting lineup.

Lee Jung-hoo's double came in the bottom of the 2nd inning with the score tied 0-0, two outs, and no runners on base. Lee Jung-hoo carefully selected the first pitch and watched the second pitch go for a strike. He then carefully selected the third and fourth pitches as well. Ultimately, facing a favorable 3-1 count, he made solid contact with the fifth pitch, a 96.2 mph (154.8 km/h) four-seam fastball right down the middle, launching a double that landed just in front of the right-field wall. However, he failed to score as the subsequent batters did not produce hits.

According to the MLB.com game day broadcast on the official MLB website, the exit velocity was 102.7 mph (approximately 165.3 km/h), the launch angle was 18 degrees, and the distance was 321 feet (approximately 97.8 meters). This was also the moment Lee Jung-hoo hit his 19th double of the season.

Lee Jung-hoo appeared as the leadoff hitter in the bottom of the 5th inning. This time, he also produced a sharp hit, but it went directly at the right fielder and resulted in an out.

Lee Jung-hoo completed his multi-hit game in the bottom of the 7th inning. With two outs and no runners on base, Lee Jung-hoo stepped up to the plate for the third time. The ball he hit passed by the pitcher and headed toward second base. The opposing second baseman fielded it but dropped the throw while attempting to relay it to first base. The official record was an infield hit. This hit was only possible thanks to Lee Jung-hoo's speed. However, the subsequent batters remained silent, and he failed to score.

Neither team managed to score a single run through the 7th inning. The Athletics recorded the first run. In the top of the 8th inning, with two outs and no runners on base, Max Muncy hit a solo home run.

However, the final victory ultimately belonged to the San Francisco Giants. Lee Jung-hoo's super catch also played a part in this. In the top of the 9th inning, with two outs and runners on first and second, the Giants faced a scoring crisis. Athletics pinch hitter Yona Heim hit a high fly ball toward right field. The ball was curving from the inside of the infield toward the outside. Lee Jung-hoo tracked the ball all the way, caught it without losing focus, collided heavily with the fence, and fell. Fortunately, Lee Jung-hoo was not injured. Lee Jung-hoo had previously suffered a major injury from a fence collision. However, forgetting his fear, he once again displayed excellent defense by risking his body, earning applause from many fans.

If not for Lee Jung-hoo's great defensive play, the San Francisco Giants would have had to concede two more runs and completely lose control of the game's momentum. Then, in the bottom of the 9th inning, the San Francisco Giants launched their counterattack. Leadoff hitter Debes hit a solo home run, tying the game at 1-1. Lee Jung-hoo entered his fourth at-bat after one out but was out on a fly ball to right field. Ultimately, after two outs, Berriozabal hit a thrilling walk-off home run over the center-field wall, sealing a 2-1 victory.

The San Francisco Giants are on a two-game winning streak, marking a season record of 33 wins and 46 losses. They currently rank fourth in the National League West Division. In contrast, the Athletics have fallen into a four-game losing streak, sitting in a three-way tie for third place in the West Division with a record of 38 wins and 42 losses.

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*This content was translated by AI.