'Could this really be?' Even for Lee Jung-hoo, such a day... '5 at-bats, no hits' silence... Head-to-head with SD's Song Sung-moon materializes

*This content was translated by AI.

San Francisco Giants' star Lee Jung-hoo (28) remained hitless in 5 at-bats, failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Opposing team San Diego Padres' Song Sung-moon (30), who entered as a defensive replacement, contributed to the team's seven-game winning streak.

On the 14th (Korean time), Lee Jung-hoo started as the second hitter and right fielder in the home game against San Diego at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, USA, but managed only 5 at-bats with no hits.

Lee Jung-hoo recorded one hit in the head-to-head matchup the previous day (13th). However, his bat went cold just one day later.

After today's game, Lee Jung-hoo's season statistics stand at: 137 games played, .276 batting average (518 at-bats, 143 hits), 9 home runs, 29 doubles, 4 triples, 55 RBIs, 63 runs scored, 27 walks, 55 strikeouts, 12 stolen bases (1 failed attempt), .318 on-base percentage, .400 slugging percentage, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.718.

San Diego's starting lineup was arranged as follows: Fernando Tatis Jr. (second baseman), Dustin Harris (right fielder), Manny Machado (third baseman), Luis Campusano (designated hitter), Jackson Merrill (center fielder), Xander Bogaerts (shortstop), Jake Cronenworth (first baseman), Samad Taylor (left fielder), and Ethan Salas (catcher). Nick Pivetta was the starting pitcher. Song Sung-moon began the game on the bench.

In response, San Francisco set their starting lineup as: Drew Gilbert (left fielder), Lee Jung-hoo (right fielder), Bryce Eldridge (first baseman), Joe Cox (center fielder), Scott Bandura (designated hitter), Shea Whiteman (second baseman), Andrew Kizner (catcher), Brett Harris (third baseman), and Christian Coz (shortstop). Logan Webb was the starting pitcher.

Lee Jung-hoo struggled against opposing right-handed starter Pivetta. In the bottom of the first inning with one out and no runners on base, Lee Jung-hoo faced Pivetta and hit a sharp ground ball toward first base on the second pitch. However, he was thrown out due to an excellent defensive play by first baseman Cronenworth. In the bottom of the third inning with two outs and no runners on base during his second at-bat, he again grounded out to first base, swallowing his disappointment.

The most painful moment came in his third at-bat. In the bottom of the fifth inning, with San Francisco trailing 2-6, Lee Jung-hoo stepped up to the plate with no outs and runners on first and second bases. On the mound was left-handed pitcher Kyle Hart, who previously played for NC Dinos in the KBO League. During Lee Jung-hoo's at-bat, two base runners successfully executed a double steal. With no outs and runners on second and third, San Francisco faced a critical opportunity. However, after a full-count battle against Hart, Lee Jung-hoo swung at six pitches but hit a high fly ball that was caught by the shortstop for an out.

Lee Jung-hoo's bat continued to remain silent afterward. In the bottom of the seventh inning, facing as the leadoff hitter in his fourth at-bat, he grounded out to second base. Later, in the bottom of the ninth inning during his final at-bat, he again grounded out to second base, lowering his head in disappointment.

Meanwhile, San Diego infielder Song Sung-moon entered the game as a defensive replacement for second baseman Dustin Harris at the start of the eighth-inning defense when San Diego led 6-4. Following his appearances as a defensive substitute on the 12th and 13th, Song continued to provide stable infield defense throughout this three-game series.

The game ended with a 6-4 victory for San Diego. San Francisco, who completed their three-game series at home against San Diego with a sweep of losses, fell into a three-game losing streak. San Francisco finished the season with 62 wins and 88 losses, remaining in fourth place in the National League West Division. San Francisco has already been eliminated from playoff contention for this season.

In contrast, San Diego surged forward with an unstoppable seven-game winning streak, recording 81 wins and 68 losses for the season, firmly holding second place in the National League West Division and third place in the Wild Card race.

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*This content was translated by AI.