Amazing '3-hit' Kim Ha-seong delivers a fantasy defensive show! Pitcher removes cap to pay tribute

*This content was translated by AI.

"Awesome Kim" Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves), who endured a difficult period this season marked by injuries and poor batting performance, has finally recorded his first 3-hit game of the season. It is a clear signal of a complete comeback. His trademark stellar defense was an added bonus. His batting average also climbed out of the frustrating .0-something range into the .1-something territory.

On the 2nd (Korean time), Kim Ha-seong started as the ninth hitter and shortstop in a road game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., USA, during the 2026 MLB regular season. He went 3-for-3 with three hits.

Kim Ha-seong's last 3-hit game occurred on September 15 of last year while he was with the San Diego Padres, against the Houston Astros — a span of 352 days (about one year). This was also his first game with two or more hits this season.

After today's game, Kim Ha-seong's season statistics stand at: 36 games played, .112 batting average (89 at-bats, 10 hits), 5 RBIs, 5 runs scored, 9 walks, 26 strikeouts, 2 stolen bases (0 failed), .202 on-base percentage, .112 slugging percentage, and an OPS (on-base + slugging) of 0.314.

Earlier, Kim Ha-seong had started in games against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the 28th and the Colorado Rockies on the 29th, recording 1 hit in 3 at-bats and no hits in 3 at-bats, respectively. After sitting out on the 30th to rest, he went 0-for-3 again against Colorado on the 31st. He also sat out the game against the San Francisco Giants on the 1st but returned to the starting lineup two days later and delivered powerful hits.

Today, Atlanta's starting lineup was arranged as follows: catcher Drake Baldwin, right fielder Ronald Acuña, first baseman Matt Olson, center fielder Michael Harris, second baseman Duvon Mauricio, designated hitter Adonis Alvis, third baseman Austin Riley, left fielder Brewer Hicklen, and shortstop Kim Ha-seong. The starting pitcher was A.J. Smith-Shaver.

Washington countered with this lineup: shortstop CJ Abrams, right fielder Dylan Crews, third baseman Brady House, left fielder Dairon Lyle, designated hitter Yohandy Morales, first baseman Abimael Ortiz, catcher Harry Ford, second baseman Jovbit Vivas, and center fielder Jacob Young. The starting pitcher was Jake Irvin.

Kim Ha-seong showed sharp batting from his first at-bat. With the team trailing 1-4 and no outs with a runner on first base in the bottom of the third inning, Kim Ha-seong stepped up to the plate. Facing pitcher Irvin's fourth pitch — a fastball — he capitalized on an unfavorable 1-2 count and drove a clean hit to center field. Thanks to Kim Ha-seong's hit, Atlanta gained a no-out opportunity with runners on first and third. The Braves scored one run when Baldwin followed with a two-run single to left field. At that moment, Kim Ha-seong had reached third base, but the next three batters all made outs without scoring.

Kim Ha-seong's bat remained hot in his second at-bat as well. In the bottom of the fifth inning with no outs and a runner on first, he faced Irvin again. On a 1-1 count, he connected on the third pitch, driving the ball quickly past the third baseman toward left field for a hit. However, Baldwin, batting next, hit into a double play at second base, and Kim Ha-seong was forced out at second.

Kim Ha-seong completed his 3-hit game by getting another hit in his final at-bat. Leading off the inning against newly introduced right-handed pitcher Clayton Kiser, he smashed a lightning-fast line drive down the left-field line for a single to left. After reaching first base, Kim Ha-seong smiled broadly while exchanging high-fives with the coach and Hifaib. However, when Baldwin hit a ground ball next, Kim was again thrown out at second base and failed to score.

Most notably, his true value shone in defense. In the bottom of the second inning during Washington's offensive turn, the leadoff batter Ortiz hit the ball deep toward second base. Kim Ha-seong, positioned near second base, quickly moved into position and successfully executed a sliding catch. While still on the ground, he performed a 180-degree turn and attempted to throw to first base in the so-called "sitting shot" stance, securing an out. It was nothing short of a masterful play. After recording the out, Kim Ha-seong smiled lightly as if in disbelief. Watching this defensive gem, Atlanta's starting pitcher A.J. Smith-Shaver removed his cap and personally paid tribute to Kim Ha-seong. Kim also handled ground balls rolling toward him cleanly in the bottom of the third with two outs and a runner on third, and again in the bottom of the fourth with one out and no runners on base.

Despite Kim Ha-seong's outstanding all-around performance, Atlanta's pitching staff faltered, leading to a 5-9 loss against Washington. With this defeat, Atlanta fell into a two-game losing streak but maintained its first-place position in the National League East with an 82-57 record.

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*This content was translated by AI.