'22 consecutive hits and top on-base percentage,' yet also leading in errors... Will Park Sung-han change in the second half? 'The key is ultimately victory'

*This content was translated by AI.

Park Sung-han (28, SSG Landers) started brightly with 22 consecutive hits after the season opener. He maintained a .500 batting average through mid-April and was on track for a .400 average by early May. While he is enjoying a career-best season at the plate, his defensive performance has been anything but smiling.

In the first half, Park Sung-han played 86 games with a .333 batting average (105 hits in 315 at-bats), three home runs, 39 RBIs, and 57 runs scored. His on-base percentage was .433, slugging percentage .432, and OPS (on-base plus slugging) 0.865. His batting average with runners in scoring position reached an impressive .419.

Selected by SK Wyverns (the predecessor to SSG) in the second round of the 2017 rookie draft, Park Sung-han established himself as the team's starting shortstop and has delivered consistent hitting since 2021. He achieved a .300 batting average in both 2021 (.302) and 2024 (.301). In 2024, despite receiving 118 votes (41%) in the Golden Glove voting, he bowed his head after being edged out by Park Chan-ho (then with KIA, 154 votes).

However, this season has been different. He set a new KBO record by hitting safely in 22 consecutive games after the opener. Park Sung-han's bat has shown no signs of cooling down easily.

His batting average dipped to .258 in May, but he has since regained momentum and remains sixth in the league. He trails third-place Austin Dean (LG) by just six points (.339).

Park Sung-han is serving as SSG's leadoff hitter this season. Manager Lee Seung-yong assigned him the role starting from the second half of last season due to his high on-base percentage, and Park has exceeded expectations with his exceptional plate discipline, now leading the league in on-base percentage.

The problem lies in defense. He already leads the league with 13 errors. Since mid-May, the team has fallen into a franchise-record 13-game losing streak, followed by a five-game skid and then another nine-game slump. While the weakest starting rotation was undoubtedly the biggest issue during this period, the unstable keystone combination of Park Sung-han and Jung Jun-jae also played a significant role.

This could also be influenced by the pitching staff. It is widely known that when games drag on, fielders' concentration tends to waver. This is why there are many who emphasize pitchers taking more aggressive approaches in battle.

In this regard, there are hopeful signs. SSG's starting rotation is the weakest among all 10 teams, but rookie Kim Min-jun has broken the nine-game losing streak with strong performances, earning two wins in five starts. There is also high expectation for Pedro Avila, who joined SSG to replace Anthony Virginia.

Lee Seung-yong, manager of SSG, has emphasized that one or two pitchers in the starting rotation can determine the outcome of the entire team. This is a key area where SSG, aiming for a second-half rebound, places its hopes.

If the starting rotation stabilizes, it could lead to improved concentration across the defense as well. Defensive stability could also have a positive impact on hitting performance.

Ultimately, if the team performs well, both Park Sung-han and the entire fielding unit are likely to benefit from a virtuous cycle. To ensure defensive stability, SSG must first focus all its efforts on winning games. If that happens, not only will Park Sung-han's defensive metrics improve, but his offensive numbers should also naturally follow an upward trend.

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*This content was translated by AI.