Lee Jung-hoo's colossal error: 'Expected batting average 0.190' — he missed a hit... SF lost in extra innings with a walk-off defeat despite '4G consecutive hits' [SF Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Jung-hoo (28, San Francisco Giants), who had extended his hitting streak to four consecutive games, bore responsibility for the walk-off loss due to a disappointing defensive play late in the game.

On the 5th (Korean time), Lee Jung-hoo started as the second hitter and right fielder in an away game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, USA, during the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season, recording one hit in five at-bats.

In the top of the first inning, Lee Jung-hoo grounded out to first base. In the top of the third, he pulled a fastball from left-handed pitcher McKinzie Gore on the outside corner for a double down the left-field line. No further hits followed. Lee Jung-hoo was retired in the top of the fifth with a ground ball to second base, in the top of the seventh with a fly ball to center field, and in the top of the ninth with a fly ball to left field. As a result, Lee Jung-hoo's season batting average dropped slightly from 0.306 to 0.305, ending his four-game hitting streak.

A colossal error occurred late in the game that overshadowed his earlier performance. With both teams tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth, Texas leadoff batter Jake Burger hit a double down the left-field line, and Dylan Smith reached base on an intentional walk, putting San Francisco in a crisis with two outs and runners on first and second.

At that moment, a ball hit by Ezekiel Duran flew toward the right-field wall where Lee Jung-hoo was positioned. Lee Jung-hoo failed to properly track the landing point of the incoming ball and fell over. Ultimately, the runner from second base scored at home plate, and the game ended with Texas winning 5-4. According to Statcast, the expected batting average (xBA) for this play was only 0.190.

Texas's final pitcher, Jacob Latz, secured a lucky victory despite allowing two runs (one earned) in one inning. San Francisco's Dylan Smith took the loss with one run allowed in two-thirds of an inning, bringing his season record to four losses. Texas's Brandon Nimmo and Corey Seager each recorded three hits, while Duran was the hero of the win with three hits in five at-bats and four RBIs.

As a result, San Francisco sits in fourth place in the National League West Division with 48 wins and 66 losses, while Texas maintains second place in the American League West Division with 56 wins and 58 losses.

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*This content was translated by AI.