'With' and Song Sung-moon's 8th-inning substitution sparks a '3-hit' explosion! What exactly happened?... He wasn't just smiling all the way through.

*This content was translated by AI.

San Diego Padres infielder Song Sung-moon (30) recorded his first 3-hit game since debuting in Major League Baseball. Even though he entered as a pinch hitter in the 8th inning and stepped up to the plate three times, there was a clear reason for it: the opposing team had placed an outfielder on the mound, leading to multiple scoring opportunities.

On the 20th (Korean time), Song Sung-moon made his appearance as a substitute in the 8th inning at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, during the 2026 MLB regular-season away game against the Kansas City Royals. He went 3-for-3 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored, delivering an outstanding performance. San Diego hit a total of 19 hits across all innings and secured a decisive 19-2 victory.

This was Song Sung-moon's first 3-hit game since debuting in the majors this season. So far this year, he has appeared in 44 games with a batting average of .239 (88 at-bats, 21 hits), 1 home run, 15 RBIs, 16 runs scored, 4 doubles, 13 walks, 16 strikeouts, and 11 stolen bases (2 failed attempts). His on-base percentage stands at .337, slugging percentage at .318, and OPS (on-base plus slugging) at .655.

San Diego's starting lineup for the day included Fernando Tatis Jr. (right fielder), Jackson Merrill (center fielder), Manny Machado (third baseman), Ty France (first baseman), Xander Bogaerts (shortstop), Miguel Andújar (designated hitter), Luis Rengifo (second baseman), Jayce Bowen (left fielder), and Luis Campusano (catcher). The starting pitcher was Germán Márquez.

In response, Kansas City's lineup featured Carter Jensen (designated hitter), Nick Loftin (second baseman), Jack Cagle (right fielder), Lane Thomas (center fielder), Isaac Collins (left fielder), Salvador Pérez (first baseman), Joshua Rojas (third baseman), Tyler Holton (shortstop), and Luke Maile (catcher). Their starting pitcher was Noah Cameron.

San Diego allowed an early run in the bottom of the 1st inning but took control by scoring 4 runs in the top of the 2nd, 2 in the top of the 3rd, 1 in the top of the 4th, and 1 more in the top of the 6th.

With San Diego leading 8-2 in the top of the 8th inning with one out and a runner on first base, Song Sung-moon entered as a pinch hitter to replace Luis Campusano. Facing Kansas City's right-handed reliever Beck Way, he hit a sharp fastball clocked at 97.6 mph (approximately 157.1 km/h) on the fifth pitch of a 2-2 count, driving in a single through the left-center gap. San Diego scored five runs in the 8th inning alone, and Song's hit served as the catalyst for this surge. Later, he crossed home plate when Ty France hit a bases-loaded home run.

Song Sung-moon took over the shortstop position defensively in the bottom of the 8th inning. Then, with San Diego leading 13-2 in the top of the 9th, he had another chance to bat twice more.

With a large lead, Kansas City opted not to bring in a relief pitcher but instead sent infielder Tyler Holton to the mound. Song Sung-moon did not show any mercy against an outfielder on the mound.

As the leadoff batter in the top of the 9th, Song capitalized on a favorable 3-1 count to hit a double down the left-center gap off Holton's 44.4 mph (approximately 71.5 km/h) pitch. He later scored again when Jackson Merrill hit a two-run home run.

That wasn't the end of it. With San Diego's offense in full swing during the top of the 9th, Song stepped up to the plate again with two outs and bases loaded — his third time at bat that day. He crushed Holton's first pitch for a two-run double into left-center field, showcasing remarkable focus by hitting two doubles against an outfielder in one inning. However, perhaps because he was facing an outfielder rather than a real pitcher, Song didn't smile broadly even after reaching first base.

Ultimately, San Diego hit five home runs and 19 total hits to secure a dominant 19-2 victory. With this win, their first of the second half, they improved their season record to 49 wins and 50 losses, maintaining third place in the National League West Division. Meanwhile, Kansas City fell to 40 wins and 60 losses, remaining in last place in the American League Central Division.

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*This content was translated by AI.