*This content was translated by AI.
He broke through the harsh swamp of a batting average in the 6th-tenths range on his own. Atlanta Braves' Kim Ha-seong (31) became the team's hero with a dramatic walk-off hit that decided the game.
On the 27th (Korea time), playing at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in a home game against the Los Angeles Dodgers of 'Major League Baseball 2026', Kim Ha-seong entered as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the 9th inning and hit a thrilling walk-off single, leading his team to a 6-5 victory.
Kim Ha-seong's name was again absent from the starting lineup that day. Amid a severe batting slump, his average plummeted to 0.066, forcing him to sit on the bench for 10 consecutive games. The opportunity that came after long silence arrived at the most dramatic moment.
With the score tied 5-5 in the bottom of the 9th inning and two outs with a runner on base, the Atlanta dugout brought out Kim Ha-seong as a pinch-hitting card to decide the game. Due to a double switch, the designated hitter spot was eliminated, and Kim Ha-seong stepped into the batter's box from the pitcher's position. Facing Dodgers left-handed reliever Tanner Scott, Kim engaged in a persistent at-bat and finally launched a clean walk-off RBI single that dropped in front of the left fielder. This was the moment his sixth hit of the season, which had not occurred since June 3, about two months prior, became the game-winning hit that saved the team. The batted ball speed reached 103 mph (approximately 166 km), a solid strike with strong velocity.
As soon as the ball landed on the grass and the game ended, teammates in the dugout poured out onto the field all at once. Knowing better than anyone the hardships Kim had endured, his colleagues embraced him and doused him with water in an intense celebration. Amid the fervent cheering, a spectacular scene unfolded where Kim Ha-seong's jersey was torn to shreds. Although his uniform was ripped apart, a smile of emotion and joy spread across Kim's face.
Kim Ha-seong, who shed his severe slump and raised his season batting average to 0.078, created the most brilliant moment against his top rival, the Dodgers, perfectly laying the foundation for his comeback.
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*This content was translated by AI.
