'Obsessive' Lee Jung-hoo strikes out with 156.8㎞ and 157.6㎞ fastballs, then achieves multi-on-base success with 'hit + walk'!... However, San Francisco suffers a one-run defeat in extra innings, falling into a 'four-game losing streak'

*This content was translated by AI.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo (28) recorded consecutive hits over three games and achieved multi-on-base success. However, the team suffered a one-run comeback loss, falling into a four-game losing streak.

On the 22nd (Korea time), Lee Jung-hoo started as the designated hitter and right fielder in an away game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, during the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season. He went 3-for-1 with one walk.

With this performance, Lee Jung-hoo extended his consecutive hit streak from the game against the Seattle Mariners on the 20th to three games. His season statistics so far include 93 games played, a batting average of .303 (350 at-bats, 106 hits), 33 RBIs, 49 runs scored, 5 home runs, 21 doubles, 3 triples, 15 walks, 37 strikeouts, 6 stolen bases (0 failed attempts), an on-base percentage of .336, a slugging percentage of .423, and an OPS (on-base + slugging) of .759.

San Francisco's starting lineup for the day was: Elliot Ramos (left fielder), Bryce Eldridge (designated hitter), Casey Schmidt (third baseman), Rafah Devers (first baseman), Will Adames (shortstop), Lee Jung-hoo (right fielder), Jesus Rodriguez (catcher), Drew Gilbers (center fielder), and Christian Coes (second baseman). The starting pitcher was Tyler Malley.

In response, Kansas City's starting lineup was: Carter Jensen (catcher), Lane Thomas (center fielder), Jack Cagliano (right fielder), Salvador Perez (designated hitter), Vinnie Pasquantino (first baseman), Starling Marte (left fielder), Michael Massi (second baseman), Nick Loftin (third baseman), and Tyler Tolbert (shortstop). The starting pitcher was right-handed fireballer Ruinder Avila.

The early part of the game was somewhat disappointing. In the bottom of the second inning with one out, Lee Jung-hoo faced the opposing starter Avila in his first at-bat and struck out on three pitches. It is rare to see Lee Jung-hoo strike out so easily on just three pitches. Notably, the fourth pitch thrown by Avila against him was a four-seam fastball clocked at 97.4 mph (156.8 km). Later, in the bottom of the fifth inning with the team trailing 0-1 and no runners on base with one out, Lee Jung-hoo appeared for his second at-bat. This time, he immediately attacked a 97.9 mph (157.6 km) four-seam fastball on the inside corner but was limited to a ground ball in front of the pitcher.

Lee Jung-hoo's valuable hit came in his third at-bat. In the bottom of the seventh inning with San Francisco trailing 2-3, Lee Jung-hoo led off the inning. With a count of one ball and two strikes, he attacked Avila's sixth pitch—a low-breaking curveball traveling at 83.8 mph (approximately 134.9 km)—and hit a line drive single to right field that went over the second baseman's head. This was the moment Lee Jung-hoo recorded his third consecutive hit. Later, when Jesus Rodriguez executed a sacrifice bunt, Lee Jung-hoo advanced to second base, but subsequent batters were retired via strikeout and fly ball, resulting in no runs scored.

In his final at-bat, Lee Jung-hoo's obsession shone through. In the bottom of the ninth inning with the team trailing 2-3 and no runners on base with one out, Lee Jung-hoo stepped into the batter's box against the opposing right-handed closer Alex Lang. After a full-count battle, he drew a walk on the seventh pitch. However, the next two batters were retired via strikeout and a line drive to left field, forcing the team to taste a bitter defeat.

San Francisco suffered back-to-back one-run losses against Kansas City, falling into a four-game losing streak. With a season record of 42 wins and 59 losses, San Francisco remains in fourth place in the National League (NL) West Division.

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*This content was translated by AI.